NCF Beach Volleyball Wins Sun Conference Regular Season Championship
SARASOTA, Fla. – New College of Florida beach volleyball has captured the Sun Conference regular season championship for the first time in school history, marking the first regular season conference title for New College Athletics since joining the Sun Conference and a major milestone for one of the department’s fastest-rising programs.
In just its second season of competition, the Mighty Banyans surged from an eighth-place finish in their conference debut to the top of the standings, completing a remarkable rise under head coach Ali Denney.
“Winning a regular season championship in just our second year says a great deal about the character and commitment of this team,” Denney said. “They showed up every day ready to learn, compete, and continue raising the standard. Our staff is incredibly proud of what this group accomplished and grateful for the support we’ve received from the college.”
The championship also reflects the broader growth of New College in recent years and the momentum behind its emerging athletics program. When beach volleyball launched in 2024, the student-athletes were training off campus before New College opened its own courts along Sarasota Bay. In a short time, that investment has produced one of the first signature achievements in school history.
“New College of Florida has been an incredible experience for me, both academically and athletically,” said team captain Jayden Ponsford. “I transferred here in 2024 to be part of building this program from the beginning. We trained at another facility early on, and to now be the top team in the conference shows how much this group has grown. The best part of this team is how we have come together and pushed each other to be better.”
That growth has not only been felt within the program, but recognized across the institution as a reflection of the standard New College is working to build.
“The early development of our athletics program has been intentional about creating an environment where scholar-athletes can perform at a high level,” said New College President Richard Corcoran. “To see this team competing and winning in year two reflects the commitment of these athletes and the kind of institution we are building, one where academic rigor and athletic performance go hand in hand.”
With the regular season championship secured, the Mighty Banyans now turn to postseason play. New College will host the Sun Conference Tournament April 10–11 on its courts along Sarasota Bay, adjacent to historic College Hall.
Regardless of the conference tournament outcome, New College has secured one of the two automatic conference bids for the national championships in Mesa, Arizona April 23–25.
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