There is a big push to make sand volleyball an official intercollegiate sport.

The issue is currently working its way through the approval process by the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference and the California Community College Athletics Association.

“There has always been a sand volleyball class in the curriculum that anyone can attend,” said Kathy McGinnis, the Dean of Health, Exercise and Athletics at City College.

McGinnis said that joining the intercollegiate sand volleyball team will not be open to all. Dede Bodner will coach the intercollegiate sand volleyball team.

“It will be a selective process just as other intercollegiate sports are,” McGinnis explained. ” It is a process bringing in a new sport into the PCAC and CCCAA,” McGinnis added via email. “With enough push and interest it can be done and the sport approved.”

Schools in the PCAC are taking note of the popularity on international and Olympic echelons.

All parties involved are working hard to convince the PCAC and CCCAA that elevating the sport’s status is beneficial for everyone.

McGinnis added, “While intercollegiate sports are for student athletes, they do take money to operate so it is necessary for the PCAC to carefully evaluate the financial aspects of the newly proposed sport.”

She is excited about the push to the state level and how quickly the sport is gaining popularity.

City College is expecting PCAC approval soon and with that approval, an immediate grouping with other spring sports.

Coach Bodner’s squad will practice often at the South Mission Beach sand courts. The sand volleyball classes will be held here as well.

From prior conversations and interviews, it is clear that sand volleyball, as a collegiate sport, will be approved in the very near future.

The popularity of the sport remains a question but the feeling among the athletic directors and the PCAC seem to be at a very high point.