The Old Dominion Region is proud to share that the 2026 USA Volleyball Beach National Championship will return to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront from July 13–18, 2026!
After hosting the largest Beach National Championship since 2019 this past summer, Virginia Beach will once again welcome the nation’s top junior beach athletes for six days of elite competition, community, and celebration — all set against the stunning backdrop of our own Atlantic coastline.
This early announcement marks a historic first — USA Volleyball has never before announced a Beach National Championship this far in advance. The decision reflects not only how successfully the 2025 event was hosted in Virginia Beach, but also the outstanding leadership and organization of our own ODR Outdoor NDTP Coordinator, Kris Wojieck-Stein. Her work, alongside the dedication of regional volunteers and partners, helped create an event experience that exceeded national expectations and showcased the strength of the Old Dominion Region’s beach community.
Event Overview
Dates: July 13–18, 2026
Location: Virginia Beach Oceanfront, Virginia Beach, VA
Session I (July 13–15): Boys 16U, Girls 12U, Girls 16U
Session II (July 16–18): Boys 12U, Boys 14U, Boys 18U, Girls 14U, Girls 18U
This event will bring together hundreds of teams from across the country to compete in both Open and American divisions, with age groups ranging from 12U to 18U. For many athletes, it’s the highlight of their beach volleyball journey — and for the Old Dominion Region, it’s a chance to once again showcase the talent, hospitality, and organization that make Virginia Beach a top-tier destination.
What’s New for 2026
The 2026 championship will feature several enhancements to elevate the athlete experience, including:
Best-of-three match play format (21, 21, 15) for all Open divisions
Certified officials on every Open division court — no more self-officiating
Structured pool play leading to mini match rounds and a high-energy playoff finish
College coaching clinics and a new College Coaches Cabana for recruiters and programs
“The Huddle” — a new networking event for junior beach coaches and club directors
These updates will create a more competitive, consistent, and rewarding experience for athletes, coaches, and families alike.
“We are thrilled to bring the Beach National Championship back to Virginia Beach, where the energy of the oceanfront matches the passion of our junior athletes,” said Steve Bishop, USA Volleyball Chief Operating Officer. “This championship reflects our vision for the future of the game and the continued rise of beach volleyball across the country.”
“Hosting this event is a tremendous honor for our community,” added Dani Timm, Director of Virginia Beach Sports Tourism. “We look forward to building on the success of last summer’s championship and continuing to showcase Virginia Beach as a premier destination for beach volleyball.”
As the host region, ODR is proud to partner once again with USA Volleyball and the City of Virginia Beach to bring this national event back to our shores.
Stay tuned for registration information, volunteer opportunities, and ways to get involved — and get ready to see ODR athletes shine on the sand once again in 2026!