New Junior Beach Volleyball Club Launches in Tuscaloosa

Adult league plans also in the works for summer 2026

Mar. 16, 2026 at 5:48pm

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Northridge High School volleyball coach Danielle Stephenson is bringing a new coed beach volleyball league to Tuscaloosa for ages 7-18, with plans for an adult league to follow soon. The junior league's spring season will run from March 25 to May 2, with the first practice being free for interested participants.

Why it matters

Beach volleyball is a growing sport in Alabama, providing a new recreational option for youth and adults in the Tuscaloosa area. The new club aims to introduce the sport and develop talent, while also offering a social outlet for the community.

The details

The junior beach volleyball club will hold its first practice on March 25 at The Venue in Northport. The spring season will be shortened this year due to court finishing touches, but will still run through May 2. Participants can choose from different package options, including a basic full-time plan, a combined spring and summer plan, or a try-out rate. The club will be led by Coach Stephenson, along with two student coaches - University of Alabama junior Ady Pitts and Northridge High School senior Chloe Calhoun.

  • The junior league's spring season will run from March 25 to May 2, 2026.
  • The first practice will be held on March 25, 2026 at 4 p.m.

The players

Danielle Stephenson

Northridge High School head volleyball coach with 17 years of experience, who is launching the new beach volleyball club.

Ady Pitts

University of Alabama junior who founded the Bama Beach Volleyball Club as a freshman and will be a student coach for the new Tuscaloosa club.

Chloe Calhoun

Northridge High School senior and all-area volleyball honorable mention, who will also serve as a student coach for the new beach volleyball club.

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What they’re saying

“It's a similar game to indoor (volleyball), but also totally different in so many respects. You're only playing with one other person, your communication looks different, your technique, your strategies are totally different, but you're still learning the game of volleyball. You're still harnessing those skills, just in a different way.”

— Danielle Stephenson, Northridge High School Head Volleyball Coach

“It's pretty relaxed, and you can make it what you want to make it. If you want to come to just practice and learn the game, you can come. If you have a partner in mind and you want to practice and sign up for all these tournaments, we're there to help you do all that, too.”

— Danielle Stephenson, Northridge High School Head Volleyball Coach

What’s next

Plans for an adult beach volleyball league in Tuscaloosa are expected to be announced in June 2026.

The takeaway

The new junior beach volleyball club in Tuscaloosa provides a unique opportunity for youth to learn and play a growing sport, while also laying the groundwork for an adult league to follow. This reflects the community's interest in expanding recreational options and developing local talent.