Virginia Beach, VA - Regent University Athletics is adding women's beach volleyball to its program in spring 2026—making it the 12th varsity sport offered as the university advances its provisional membership status in the NCAA.

"We are excited to expand our athletic offerings here at Regent University with beach volleyball," said Director of Athletics Michael W. Allen. "Beach volleyball is a unique sport that will allow us to attract even more quality student-athletes, support our strategic growth as we officially transition to NCAA Division III, and further develop our women's Beach program."

The current women's volleyball head coach, Katelyn Totherow, will be the first head coach in the beach volleyball program.  Totherow, who was named the 2023 NCCAA South Region Women's Volleyball Coach of the Year, also served as the men's volleyball head coach during their inaugural season this past winter, where the Royals produced three All-Midwest selections.  She will look to bring that same success to the Beach program.

Beach volleyball is a growing collegiate sport, offered by over 170 colleges across NCAA Divisions I, II, and III, as well as the NAIA. There are 67 Division I beach teams, 20 Division II programs, and nine Division III teams. The NAIA, CCCAA, and NJCAA combine for another 86 teams. Regent becomes the third DIII program in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

"After starting the Regent University men's volleyball program last year, it seems like the Lord is continuing to position my heart and life for a season of new beginnings," said Head Coach Totherow. "With that said, I am thrilled to be given the privilege of standing at the helm of another new program at Regent University with the addition of women's beach volleyball. Virginia Beach is a prime area for beach volleyball, and I think it will complement our already successful women's indoor team extremely well. I would like to thank Coach Allen for being confident in my abilities to step into this new role."