Beach Volleyball Unveils 2026 Spring Schedule

COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina beach volleyball first-year head coach Jose Loiola announced the program’s 2026 schedule Thursday. The spring slate features two home weekend tournaments, four road trips and a midseason Big 12 preview tournament.

Although official tournament schedules have yet to be finalized, the Gamecocks have identified potential opponents for each weekend. Among those teams, six are coming off appearances in the 2025 NCAA Championship 16-team field.

Dolphin Duals // Jacksonville, Fla. // Feb. 20–21

South Carolina will hit the sand for the first time Feb. 20 in Jacksonville, Fla., opening the season against North Florida. During the opening weekend, the Gamecocks will also face Florida Gulf Coast, Stetson and Jacksonville.

All-Time Series Histories: North Florida (4-6), Florida Gulf Coast (8-2), Stetson (5-10), Jacksonville (11-2)

Wheeler Beach Bash // Columbia, S.C. // Feb. 27–28

The home slate kicks off with the Wheeler Beach Bash. This year’s competition pool features Austin Peay, Coastal Carolina, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and Chattanooga.

All-Time Series Histories: Austin Peay (1-0), Coastal Carolina (13-3), Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (1-1), Chattanooga (1-0)

Carolina Challenge // Columbia, S.C. // March 13–14

Following a bye weekend, the Gamecocks remain in Columbia to host the Carolina Challenge. The competition slate includes College of Charleston, Jacksonville, UNC Wilmington and fellow Big 12 opponent Boise State.

All-Time Series Histories: College of Charleston (18-2), Jacksonville (11-2), UNC Wilmington (14-0), Boise State (1-0)

TBD // Birmingham, Ala. // March 20–21

The Gamecocks begin a three-tournament road stretch in Birmingham, Ala. South Carolina will compete alongside UAB, Austin Peay, North Alabama and Oregon in the March to May tournament.

All-Time Series Histories: Austin Peay (1-0), North Alabama (1-0), Oregon (1-0), UAB (17-1)

Big 12 Preview // Fort Worth, Texas // March 27–28

As newly added members of the Big 12 Conference, South Carolina will compete in the Big 12 Preview, hosted by reigning national champion TCU. Arizona, Arizona State, Florida State and Boise State round out the field.

All-Time Series Histories: Arizona State (3-3), Arizona (0-0), Boise State (1-0), Florida State (0-27), TCU (3-6)

Wildcat Spring Challenge // Tucson, Ariz. // April 3–4

South Carolina remains out west, traveling to Tucson, Ariz., for the Wildcat Spring Challenge from April 3–4. The tournament field includes Florida Gulf Coast, Arizona, Hawai‘i and Colorado Mesa.

All-Time Series Histories: Florida Gulf Coast (8-2), Arizona (0-0), Hawai‘i (0-2), Colorado Mesa (1-0)

Senior Day // Columbia, S.C. // April 11

Competition at Wheeler Beach concludes April 11 as the program honors seven seniors in a matchup against Stetson.

All-Time Series History: Stetson (5-10)

Deland Cup // DeLand, Fla. // April 17–18

To close the regular season, South Carolina travels to Stetson for the DeLand Cup from April 17–18. UNC Wilmington and Georgia State will also compete.

All-Time Series Histories: UNC Wilmington (14-0), Georgia State (8-13)

Big 12 Conference Championship // Tucson, Ariz. // April 23–27

For the first time in program history, the Gamecocks will compete in the Big 12 Conference Championship, held April 23–27 in Tucson, Ariz.

All-Time Conference Tournament Record (CCSA): 14-18

South Carolina joined the Big 12 Conference in September alongside Boise State and Florida State, joining Arizona, Arizona State and TCU. The Gamecocks previously competed in the Coastal Collegiate Sports Association (CCSA).