MIAMI, Fla. – The Sun Conference announced on Thursday the addition of four affiliate members in beach volleyball. The University of Mobile, St. Andrews University, Truett McConnell University, and William Carey University will compete in Sun Conference beach volleyball action starting the 2022 season. 

“We are excited to welcome these four new affiliate members to our conference and thankful to the leadership of the respective institutions in working to make this happen,” Sun Conference Commissioner Dustin Wilke said. “Each institution adds great value and allows us to strengthen what is already a highly competitive Beach Volleyball conference.”  

The four new additions will join current Sun members Ave Maria, Florida Memorial, Southeastern, St. Thomas, Warner, and Webber International to bring the total number of competing schools to 10 in 2022. 

The Sun Conference kicked off its inaugural season in 2021 with Florida Memorial claiming the league’s first title in a 3-1 victory over Webber International in Babson Park, Florida. (3/27/21).    

Sun Conference Beach Volleyball Affiliate Members 

University of Mobile – The Rams played their inaugural season in 2021, competing in six matches. Mobile is under the direction of Jon Campbell, who started the Rams indoor program in 2005.  

St. Andrews University – The SAU Knights competed in 14 matches during the program’s inaugural season in 2021. The Knights are led by Tessa Smith, who entered her first year as head coach last season.    

Truett McConnell University – The Bears will begin their first year of competition this season after the school announced the addition of beach volleyball last January. TMU will be led by Director of Volleyball Mark Corbin. 

William Carey University – The Lady Crusaders wrapped up their third season of competition in 2021, going 6-2. WCU is coached by Kelsea Seymour Weldon, who has been at the helm since the program began. 

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BABSON PARK, Fla. – Due to his recent performance at the 2021 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championship Trials in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Peyten Young of the Webber International University men’s beach volleyball team has been named to the U.S. Beach U21 National Team.

Young and his partner, Eric Winn, claimed silver at the U21 World Championship Trials on Friday, July 9, after going 3-3 in the tournament and falling 2-0 (21-13, 21-14) in the championship match against Caleb Kwekel and Dylan Zacca.

In addition to Young and Winn’s performance, two incoming Webber men’s beach volleyball recruits, Ayden Keeter and Carson Barnes, took fourth place at the trials.

Young and the rest of the 2021 U.S. Beach U21 National Team will participate in a training camp July 26-28 in Fort Lauderdale alongside the Beach NDTP Summer Training Series. Should the U.S. earn a second bid for the 2021 Beach Volleyball U21 World Championship in Roi Et, Thailand, on Sept. 24-29, Young and Winn would receive that bid.

“Peyten had a great showing at the U21 trials this past weekend and worked hard to get his team to the finals after a contested match against Keeter/Barnes (Webber recruits) to come from behind and win to secure a spot,” Webber head men’s volleyball coach Carlos Jimenez said. “Peyten continues to develop into a very tactical player and will be a strong contender at the international level. As part of the USA NDTP coaching staff, I look forward to assisting in the pair’s next step as they train with the rest of the national team later this month in Fort Lauderdale and Webber in preparation for Thailand.”

Beach U21 National Team Roster:

Men
Name (Hometown, USAV Region, School (if applicable))
Phillip Catanzaro (Cleveland Heights, Ohio; Ohio Valley Region)
Matt Gentry (Hudson, Ohio; Ohio Valley Region; Lincoln Memorial)
Caleb Kwekel (Sarasota, Florida; Florida Region; North Greenville)
Eric Winn (Cumming, Georgia; Georgia Region; Lindenwood)
Peyten Young (Orange Beach, Alabama; Gulf Coast Region; Webber International)
Dylan Zacca (Pembroke Pines, Florida; Florida Region)

Women
Name (Hometown, USAV Region, School (if applicable)) 
Madelyne May Anderson (Palm Beach Gardens, Florida; Florida Region; Florida State)
Lexy Denaburg (Merritt Island, Florida; Florida Region; UCLA)
Caitlin Godwin (St. Petersburg, Florida; Florida Region; Florida State)
Audrey Nourse (Newport Beach, Florida; Southern California Region; USC)
Nicole Nourse (Newport Beach, Florida; Southern California Region; USC)
Raelyn White (Austin, Texas; Lone Star Region; Florida State)

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BABSON PARK, Fla. – Webber International University Head Men’s Volleyball Coach Carlos Jimenez and Head Women’s Volleyball Coach Gretchen Hand have announced the signings of two sets of siblings set to join the Warriors for the upcoming 2021-22 academic year. Jackson and Lily Arnold and Christopher and Andrea Padilla are all ready and excited to be Warriors.

“We are fortunate this year to have not just one but two pairs of siblings join our men’s and women’s programs,” Jimenez said. “There are a lot of families out there with strong roots within the sport, and to have the chance to recruit both siblings speaks highly of our program and the trust that’s put on the coaches. Jackson and Lily Arnold come from a very strong program in the Pensacola area and have a solid background as very competitive student-athletes in both disciplines. Christopher and Andrea Padilla grew up in Puerto Rico with a rich athletic influence both from family and the community and are some of the hardest working athletes we have seen. We expect great things from these young men and women and are very excited to welcome them into the Webber family.”

Name: Jackson Arnold
Position: Middle Blocker
Hometown: Jay, Fla.
High School: Central High School
Club Team: C2 Attack
Previous Academic Accomplishments: Ranked in the top-15 among Senior Class, 3.7 GPA, Honor roll, Member of National Beta Club, Spanish Club and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. 
Previous Athletic Accomplishments: Varsity Basketball State Runner-up 2021, Varsity Basketball District Champions 2021, Varsity Basketball Regional Champions 2021, USA Volleyball Beach High Performance Team A1, U17 National Beach Volleyball Team.
Awards: Voted “Senior Superlative” by faculty and staff of Central High School. Voted “Most Popular” by the student body of Central High School.
Academic Major: Business
Motivational Quote: “Every champion was once a contender that refused to give up.”
Personal Quote: “Always remember where the journey began, how far you have come, and where you are headed.”

Name: Lily Gabrielle Arnold
Position: Outside Hitter
Hometown: Jay, Fla.
High School: Milton High School
Previous School: Spring Hill College
Club Team: Panhandle Elite
Previous Academic Accomplishments: Honor Roll, Mu Alpha Theta, National Beta Club, Literary Society, President FFA.
Previous Athletic Accomplishments: USAV Beach High Performance team for two years, Beach AAU Nationals, Gulf Coast Region HP Team, Women’s Javelin High School Record Holder.
Awards: Milton High School Hall of Fame Inductee for Volleyball, Scholar Athlete Award, Volleyball Defensive Player of the Year, Regional track finalist for three years.
Academic Major: Nursing.
Minor: Spanish
Motivational Quote: “All progress takes place outside your comfort zone.”
Personal Quote: “You can either sit there and complain about it or you can get up and do something to change it.”

Name Christopher Padilla
Position: Setter
Hometown: Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico
High School: Mater Lakes Academy
Previous School: Kansas Wesleyan University
Academic Major: Sports Performance, Health and Fitness
Motivational Quote: “It is you against you.”
Personal Quote: “God gives his toughest battles to his toughest warriors.”

Name Andrea V. Padilla Montes
Position: Outside Hitter/Defensive Specialist
Hometown: Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico
High School: Mater Lakes Academy
Previous School: Kansas Wesleyan University
Previous Academic Accomplishments: Made the dean’s list at previous school (3.73 GPA)
Academic Major: Sports Performance, Health and Fitness
Motivational Quote: “Hard work beats talent when talent does not work hard.”
Personal Quote: “You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”

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BRADENTON BEACH, Fla. – Webber International University’s seven men’s beach volleyball duos participated this past weekend on Saturday, October 10, in the Coquina Beach event hosted by the Tampa Bay Beach Bums tour.

After a rough start to the day with severe weather, some of the teams settled down in their respective divisions and persevered throughout the day.

In the open division, Chris Ludwig and Peyten Young had a tough second round match that dropped them down to the contender’s bracket. They were able to fight their way back to the playoff rounds and took third place in a very competitive draw.

Justin Beecher and Steven Bartlett had a great performance in the AA division, coming out of pool play undefeated and getting to the playoffs. They were able to win their first event as a pair after defeating the top-seeded team in their division.

Tim Rouch Jr. and Bury Inelus competed in the A division and were able to make it out of pool play with only one loss on the day. They finished third in their division, with great results for being their first event together.

“I am glad Steven and Justin were able to put it all together and win this event,” spoke Head Coach Carlos Jimenez. “They had a tough draw but were able to use some of the elements that they have been working on and communicate effectively to come up with solutions to the challenges of the day.”

With the first half of the inaugural Webber men’s beach volleyball season winding down, the Warriors will face their last challenge at the Collegiate Championships hosted by the USA Volleyball (USAV) Florida Region on Saturday, Oct 17, in Tavares, Florida.

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BABSON PARK, Fla. – In anticipation for its inaugural season set to begin this Fall, the Webber International University men’s beach volleyball team competed its first preseason event this past weekend.

Some of the Webber players were invited to participate in the Tybee Island edition of the EVP Tour, as they are getting ready to start their inaugural season this fall.

Due to the pandemic, some of the regular summer events have been postponed, but the teams were glad to have the possibility to get some time in the sand in Georgia.

Some of the returners at Webber who are also a part of the Warriors’ indoor men’s volleyball program got to compete against incoming freshmen on the beach, as well as recruits and local players.

At the end of a long day of competition, Justin Beecher and Danny Hermida worked together to make it all the way to the finals of the Open Division, where they would face off against two incoming freshmen for the Warriors, Blake Oliver and Jack Sukeena. The pairs split the first two sets and were unable to finish the match due to tropical storm Isaias causing the courts to be water logged. The two teams will finish their match at Webber in the upcoming weeks.

“Danny and I started off strong, but then some of the tough Tybee Island conditions kicked in,” Beecher said. “It was a combination of hot sand and shelly beach and some of the harder teams in the draw that put us in a slump, but we were able to overcome the adversity and came out with an automatic but into the playoffs. During the finals, we battled it out and took the lead until Mother Nature decided to flood our court. It is a great start to the new beach season, and we are both exited to be part of the program.”

“The Tybee Beach Tournament was a great learning opportunity for our team and a good way to evaluate our level of play,” Hermida said. “We knew that the day was going to be long so we tried our best to conserve energy to make it to finals. The finals were going well for us until the high tide hit, and sadly we weren’t able to finish, but we will definitely have a rematch.”

Another pair of incoming student-athletes at Webber also had great results in the event. Incoming freshman Peyten Young and graduate student Logan McAllister tied for third place in a very competitive draw for the Men’s Pro Division. After some rough pool play results, they were able to make it to the playoffs for a match up against the top-seeded team in the event.

“Logan Mcallister and I tied for third place in the EVP at Tybee Island in the blazing heat,” Young said. “The tournament was well-ran with a lot of really good teams. I’m glad Webber gave me the chance to play some good ball in Georgia.”

“It was a great event for the guys to participate in and use to get ready for their season,” said Head Coach Carlos Jimenez. “We are thankful that some of these events are running so we can have our athletes compete during these extraordinary times. it is exciting for me to see things come together for this inaugural season and to see type of talent we are bringing in compete alongside our returners.”

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BABSON PARK, Fla. – The very first recruit in the history of the Webber International University men’s beach volleyball program, Chris Ludwig, has been selected to join the USA Collegiate National Beach Team.

The team is comprised of the best collegiate beach volleyball players from around the country. Team trains at the Chula Vista Olympic Training Center in San Diego, California. Due to COVID-19, the team’s activities for the summer of 2020 was limited to virtual meetings and trainings sessions only.

I believe being selected to play for the USA Collegiate National Team is a great opportunity to showcase my achievements on the court,” said Ludwig. “This nomination has motivated me to become the best player I can be.”

“Chris is adding on to his beach resume and getting the chance to both represent his school and his country at the highest level of competition for collegiate athletics,” spoke Webber’s Head Men’s Volleyball Coach Carlos Jimenez. “He is one of the best players in Florida and I am glad he is getting the chance to show this at the national and possibly international level. Chris has worked hard to be one of the best beach players currently in the beach game. Having him be part of the inaugural men’s beach program here at Webber as a senior is the culmination of his hard work and dedication to the sport, and it makes him the perfect ambassador for our program. We are very excited to see him represent Webber on the beach this season.”

“Starting a men’s beach program at our school gives not only me, but other players the opportunity to play the sport they love while receiving their degree,” added Ludwig. “Being the first Webber recruit to play men’s beach volleyball is an honor and will hopefully motivate others to follow their dreams too.”

We hope you enjoy our Q&A with Chris Ludwig below:

What are you most looking forward to about this opportunity to play beach volleyball for the USA Collegiate National Team?
A: To be able to have the chance to train and compete against the best collegiate players in the country

When did you start playing beach volleyball and why is it important to you? What do you think separates you from others in the sport or when you were younger playing the sport?
A: I started playing volleyball about six years ago, and I think what separates me from others is my drive and passion for the sport.

What brought you or what attracted you to Webber back when you first came here?
A: I wanted to stay in Florida if I was going to play for a school and Webber was the first to contact me, so I chose them.

What are your favorite memories from your time at Webber so far?
A: All of the away game trips with the men’s team.

What are your goals for your remaining time at Webber?
A: Most importantly, I want to finish my degree, but I also want to help the men’s volleyball team win our first ring ever.

What does your training look like preparing for this opportunity, or what steps are you taking to ensure you meet your goals?
A: I train four days out of the week for beach volleyball and I travel almost every weekend to play in tournaments to improve my game.

What do you like to do during your free time / what are your hobbies?
A: Fishing and diving are my primary hobbies, but I also enjoy hunting.

What has been the hardest or most challenging thing you have had to overcome so far on your journey?
A: To be able to stay focused on the academic side of being a student-athlete.

What drives you to do all that you do?
A: I just want to be the best at whatever I am trying to do in life.

What does it mean to you to be a Warrior?
A: Family is the first thing that comes to mind. I’ve met lifelong friends at Webber

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BABSON PARK, Fla. – Webber International University athletics and Head Men’s Volleyball Coach Carlos Jimenez are happy to announce the addition of men’s beach volleyball as the school’s newest athletic program beginning in the Fall of 2020.

“We are really excited to be one of the first NAIA schools in the country to sponsor men’s beach volleyball,” said Darren Richie, current Director of Athletics at Webber. “We believe that launching this program continues to demonstrate Webber’s commitment to our both our current student-athletes, and to bringing in future Warriors. Beach volleyball is a great sport, and we are proud to be on the forefront of bringing it to the collegiate environment and developing a winning tradition on the men’s side like we have for the women.”

The Webber International University volleyball program will be working in conjunction with USA Beach Volleyball, The American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) and the EVP Pro Beach Tour to both promote the men’s beach volleyball program at Webber, and to help grow the sport within collegiate athletics. Webber would also like to expend a special thank you to Mr. Steve Bishop and the Florida Region of USA Volleyball for their continued support in growing men’s beach volleyball at the collegiate level.

USA Volleyball’s Beach High Performance Manager Carolina Garbato said, “USA Volleyball is very excited about the addition of men’s beach volleyball at Webber International University. This addition is the beginning of something great, which will provide further opportunities for men’s beach volleyball athletes.”

“The AVCA is excited to celebrate and support Webber International’s newly added men’s beach volleyball program,” said AVCA’s Director of Men and Boys’ Volleyball Brad Wilson. “Given the incredible growth of men and boys’ indoor volleyball over the past decade, we expect men’s collegiate beach to be a significant growth opportunity as well.”

“I am excited to see the start of beach volleyball on college campuses across the USA,” said EVP Pro Beach Tour President Ross Balling. “Students, fans and industry partners should all be proud of the progress that women’s beach volleyball has made over the past ten years on University culture. With current demands for men’s collegiate beach volleyball programs, EVP Tour is seeing a bright future for the sport. Congratulations to Webber International University for their perseverance in bringing more student-athletes to the game of beach volleyball.”

Webber’s current Head Men’s Volleyball Coach Carlos Jimenez said, “Having seen the rise of beach volleyball as both a player and as a director, it is an honor to be part of the team of people that have made this program a reality for Webber and for the many future Warriors that will be joining us in the sand. From the initial drive from Coach Gretchen Hand to the receptiveness of our Athletic Director, Coach Darren Richie, and the administration in helping to establish the program, the university has shown the vision and decisiveness that is needed in creating new opportunities in the sport during these uncertain times. Beach volleyball has been emerging with great results on the women’s side, and we want to give that opportunity to showcase the men at the collegiate level and create more paths for participation in the sport. We also want to thank our partners in this collaboration, USA Volleyball, AVCA and the EVP Tour for helping to promote and grow the sport at the collegiate level. Webber is currently still accepting players for the inaugural season and is looking forward to attracting talented student-athletes that will join in the competitive tradition of Webber Athletics.”

“Starting the new men’s beach program was a collaborative effort with the Florida Region that mirrored the implementation of women’s beach at the collegiate level,” said Webber’s Head Women’s Volleyball Coach Gretchen Hand. “Coach Carlos Jimenez and I are very excited to develop men’s collegiate beach and provide the opportunity to grow our sport.”

For more information or if you are interested in playing men’s beach volleyball at Webber, please contact Coach Carlos Jimenez at 863-638-2957 (JimenezCE@webber.edu).

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