2021 AVCA Division II National Champions

TAVARES, Fla. – NATIONAL CHAMPIONS! The University of Tampa Beach Volleyball team wrapped up the 2021 season as the top team in Division II, as they would win the AVCA Small College Beach Championship. After a strong start in pool play, the Spartans had to win two games to clinch the title.

On Championship Sunday, the Spartans opened up in the semifinals against Texas A&M Kingsville. This would be Tampa's toughest matchup of the weekend as they would squeeze by with a 3-2 victory over the Javelinas. The three UT victories would come in the one, four, and five spots.

In the Championship game, Tampa would meet the second seed Spring Hill College Badgers. The Spartans would go unblemished in the match as they would win 3-0, with the final two matches going unfinished. In the one spot, Julia Oswald and Rachel Rosequist would win 21-13 and 21-19. In the two position, Melissa Elias and Valerie Rosequist would win 21-6 and 21-14. The final win for UT would be in the five spot, as Claire Overton and Payton Brunick would win 21-14 and 21-16. 

This championship marks the second National Championship for the Sandy Spartans, as they also won in 2019, which was the last time the Championships took place.

Tampa would also have a "B" team compete in the Championship, as the team won the Silver Bracket.

UT finished the year with a record of 19-11.