Beach volleyball is coming to Howard Payne University

BROWNWOOD, Texas ( KTAB/KRBC ) – A unique sport is making its way to the Big Country, as Howard Payne University has announced its plans to build three sand volleyball courts and a pavilion. Once built, these upgrades will help kick off NCAA beach volleyball at the university, according to athletic director Hunter Sims. The university has chosen to introduce this sport in order to retain and attract students.

“I think it’s unique because everybody thinks beach volleyball sand volleyball where is the ocean, and so we definitely do get a unique reaction when we speak about it. We wanted to do something that was going to be unique to our area, but also something that had some sustainability to it to be able to attract new students and bring some newness to our university,” explained Sims.

Construction is scheduled to be completed by the end of the academic year, and Sims is already planning to hire a beach volleyball coach by December 2024. Once everything is settled, recruitment can begin. The team will consist of 10-14 players. HPU is already in talks with other universities in Texas in its division that offers beach volleyball, and they say it has been a success at their campuses.

“We work with some surrounding schools that have beach volleyball, so we are able to bring that in, and that gives us some uniqueness to be able to recruit student-athletes,” added Sims.

Next door, a pavilion is under construction that can seat up to 300 people, making it perfect for outdoor events. It comes with a stocked kitchen and around 10 TV screens. The pavilion and the three courts represent a $1.8 million investment, which was made possible by donations.

“It will just be a great atmosphere right on the middle of campus next to our bell tower, making it a great game day experience not just for our student-athletes but all our students who live on campus,” added Sims.

Junior Blaine Onick detailed how these renovations will give HPU sports a competitive edge while making the campus feel even more like home.

“We’re mostly athletes, and I love it. We’re all competitive, and we’re all there, so at all the games, it feels like everyone is involved and wants to be there. We’re a smaller campus, but it feels more homey. Even though we are getting all of these renovations, it feels like it just becomes more like home and less like, “Oh, we’re becoming a big campus,” said Onick.

Over the past five years, 16 million has been invested in campus improvements, such as a renovated microbiology lab, new seating at the HPU theatre, and more.

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