SURPRISE, Ariz. — Fresh off capturing the 2025 NAIA Beach Volleyball National Championship, the OUAZ Spirit return to the sand with a 2026 schedule built to challenge the reigning champs from start to finish. With a mix of top-tier opponents, conference play, and national-level tournaments, the Spirit are poised to defend their title with one of the deepest and most competitive slates in program history.
OUAZ begins the season on the road with a steady run of away matches, opening at Justice on Feb. 7. The team then heads to a multi-match weekend at Arizona Christian with contests against ACU (Feb. 13), Vanguard (Feb. 13), Bushnell (Feb. 14), and Simpson (Feb. 14).
The road stretch continues with four straight matches in California — Life Pacific (Feb. 18), Hope International (Feb. 18), La Sierra (Feb. 19), and The Master's (Feb. 20) — giving the Spirit an early test of consistency away from home. The month closes with another road pairing at Benedictine Mesa on Feb. 27.
OUAZ finally returns to Arizona for its first home action of the year during the OUAZ Tournament at the Avondale Sports Complex, highlighted by a primetime matchup against Nebraska on Mar. 5, followed by a midday match against Mesa Community College.
March continues with a GSAC road contest at Park Gilbert (Mar. 12) before the Spirit host a home doubleheader on Mar. 14, taking on Arizona Christian and Benedictine Mesa. The Spirit round out the month with additional GSAC road matches at La Sierra (Mar. 18), The Master's (Mar. 18), Life Pacific (Mar. 19), and Hope International (Mar. 20) before wrapping up the home slate against Park Gilbert on Mar. 27.
April brings championship-level competition, beginning with the ASU Tournament (Apr. 3–4) — a marquee event featuring strong programs such as GCU, Stetson, and FIU. The Spirit then head to Mesa for a match against Mesa Community College on Apr. 13 at Gene Autry Park.
With a championship mentality and a schedule built for elite competition, the 2026 OUAZ beach volleyball season promises another thrilling run as the Spirit defend their place atop the NAIA.
Click HERE for the full schedule.
