The Saint Leo University Beach Volleyball team concluded its 2026 season as a national semifinalist at the AVCA Small College Beach Volleyball Championships. After a successful 4-0 pool play, they faced strong competition but fell 3-0 to Concordia University Irvine and the defending champions, Tampa, ending their hopes for a title. Despite the losses, the season marked significant milestones, including a record 24 wins and the emergence of Emma Laade and Paula Perez Rosales as the program鈥檚 first All-Americans.

By the Numbers
  • 24 wins in the 2026 season, the most in program history.
  • 2 All-Americans (Emma Laade and Paula Perez Rosales) named for the first time.
Yes, But

The team faced elite competition in the semifinals and third-place match, losing to both Concordia University Irvine and the Tampa Spartans, underscoring the challenge of competing at this level despite their historic achievements.

State of Play
  • The team finished the season with pride and valuable experience from high-stakes matches.
  • Lions have established themselves as competitive contenders in the national beach volleyball scene.
What's Next

Looking ahead, the Lions will aim to build on this successful season, develop young talent, and strive for greater success in the next year's championship.

Bottom Line

Saint Leo's remarkable season set a new standard for the program, highlighting both their accomplishments and potential for future growth in beach volleyball.