The AVCA is adding a Watch List for its National Collegiate Beach Player of the Year award. This first-of-its-kind list includes 16 players from nine different schools on this inaugural list, including two grad students, six seniors, four juniors, and four sophomores.

More players may be added as the season progresses, and a group of semifinalists will be announced in early April. Then, four finalists will be named shortly before the 2026 National Collegiate Beach Volleyball Championship with the announcement of the Player of the Year taking place in Gulf Shores at an awards banquet during the 2026 Championship.

The AVCA National Collegiate Beach Volleyball Awards Committee is responsible for all phases of the Player of the Year process.

Player of the Year Watch List (released Feb. 16)