USF Builds Six-Court Beach Volleyball Facility
The University of South Florida announced construction of a new six-court beach volleyball facility, signaling increased investment in public beach amenities. The facility represents growing popularity of beach sports on campus and enhanced recreational infrastructure. The project reflects broader trends in combining athletics with beach environments.
- The new six-court lighted facility will be located in the Tampa General Hospital Athletics District on the Tampa campus, adjacent to the track and field and tennis facilities. - The facility is funded through a combination of university and private funding, and the digital scoreboard is named in recognition of a gift from Steve and Teresa Oscher. - The USF beach volleyball program is in its inaugural season, which begins this week, and is led by head coach Pri Piantadosi-Lima. Until the new on-campus facility is completed for next season, the team will practice at McDugald Park and host two home events this spring at Clearwater Beach. - Beach volleyball is one of the fastest-growing NCAA sports. The number of NCAA-affiliated teams grew from 15 in 2011 to 92 in 2023. - The addition of the beach volleyball team brings the total number of varsity sports at USF to 21. - The university's athletic spending has nearly doubled from $53.5 million in 2018 to $95.4 million in 2024, with significant investments in facilities. - Because USF's primary conference, the American Athletic Conference, does not sponsor beach volleyball, the team will compete as an affiliate member of Conference USA. - Head coach Pri Piantadosi-Lima, a former professional player for Brazil, was hired in June 2023 and previously helped launch the beach volleyball program at Eckerd College.
