USF BEACH VOLLEYBALL JOINS CONFERENCE USA
TAMPA, Fla. (November 5, 2024) – The University of South Florida Beach Volleyball team announced today it will join Conference USA (C-USA) as an affiliate member in the sport, effective July 1, 2025. The Bulls' first official competitive season is slated for the spring of 2026.
"We are thrilled that our beach volleyball program is joining Conference USA," said Michael Kelly, USF Vice President for Athletics. "This move represents an exciting opportunity specifically for our beach volleyball student-athletes, coaches, and fans. Competing in Conference USA will elevate our beach volleyball program and provide the student-athletes with competitive opportunities and increased visibility as we work to build a rich tradition of success."
The addition of USF Beach Volleyball to C-USA reflects the team's growth and success, positioning the program to compete at a competitive level. The Bulls will face off against a variety of strong programs in Conference USA, further enhancing the student-athlete experience and bolstering the profile of USF Athletics.
"We are excited to welcome South Florida as an affiliate member as we continue to elevate our national presence in beach volleyball," CUSA Commissioner Judy MacLeod said. "We are eager to collaborate with the university and its leadership team and are excited about the bright future of this sport within the league's portfolio."
The 2025 season will be the first for South Florida's beach volleyball program under the C-USA banner. The Bulls will join an exciting roster of schools, including Tulane, Florida Atlantic, Sam Houston, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Jacksonville State, Florida International, Missouri State, Tarleton State and UTEP, setting the stage for new rivalries and expanded opportunities for growth.
"We're excited to compete in Conference USA and showcase our program on a bigger platform," said Pri Piantadosi-Lima, Head Coach of USF Beach Volleyball. "Our players are ready to embrace the challenge and continue their development against some of the best teams in the conference."
About USF Beach Volleyball
The University of South Florida Beach Volleyball program is one of the newest sports at the university, bringing USF Athletics to a total of 21 teams and marking an exciting era for the Bulls. Pri Piantadosi-Lima was named South Florida's first-ever beach volleyball head coach on June 6, 2023. Coach Pri also serves as the head coach of the beach national team development program and was honored as the 2022 USA Volleyball Female Junior Coach of the Year. Before joining USF, she helped lead Eckerd College to its first AVCA national championship and two consecutive NCAA championship podium finishes. USF Beach Volleyball will join Conference USA effective July 1, 2025, and compete in exhibition-style matches until officially starting Division I competition during the 2025-2026 season.
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About Conference USA
Conference USA is an NCAA Division I conference championing success in college athletics through dedicated leadership, dynamic partnership, and diverse membership. Founded in 1995 and based in Dallas, CUSA is home to 10 schools: FIU, Jacksonville State, Kennesaw State, Liberty, Louisiana Tech, Middle Tennessee, New Mexico State, Sam Houston, UTEP, and WKU. Delaware and Missouri State begin competition in 2025.
– #GoBulls –
