Glendale, Ariz. - Arizona Christian University Men's Beach Volleyball will continue a historic inaugural season this weekend as the Firestorm host the ACU Men's Beach Volleyball Tournament, October 2–3, on the ACU campus.
The two-day event marks another milestone in the continued growth of volleyball at Arizona Christian. The Firestorm are competing in their first season of men's beach volleyball while also taking advantage of ACU's new on-campus beach volleyball courts, which opened in January 2026. The four-court complex has expanded training and competition opportunities for ACU volleyball and provides the Firestorm with an on-campus home for this weekend's tournament.
The Firestorm enter the weekend following an encouraging opening month in which the first-year program has already demonstrated competitiveness and continued growth. ACU made its first tournament appearance in California, earning two victories while dropping two competitive matches.
"We have been really encouraged by the focus, grit and competitiveness this group has shown through our first month together," Head Coach
Ryan Wrublik said. "There is something special about building a program from the ground up, and now having the opportunity to compete at home on our new beach courts makes this weekend another exciting step for our program."
Captains
Kellen McHale, a local standout, and
Felipe Torres, a top recruit from Brazil, have helped establish the culture of the new program. Experienced beach players
Tobias Eriksson and
Jonathan Barken have also contributed, while several Firestorm indoor volleyball players have made the transition to the sand. Standout blocker
Aydan Pimental has already made an impact at the No. 1 position alongside Torres.
The tournament brings Park University, Hope International University, Grand Canyon University, Northern Arizona University and OUAZ to Glendale for two days of competition.
ACU opens Friday at 3:00 p.m. against Park University (AZ) before facing Hope International at 7:00 p.m. On Saturday, the Firestorm compete in exhibition matches against Grand Canyon at 1:00 p.m. and Northern Arizona at 3:00 p.m.
"We are excited to compete at home and showcase both this team and our new facility," Coach Wrublik said. "This weekend gives us another opportunity to build chemistry, compete against quality programs and continue laying the foundation for ACU Men's Beach Volleyball."
Friday's competition begins at 1:00 p.m., with Saturday action starting at 9:00 a.m. at the ACU Beach Volleyball Courts, 1 W. Firestorm Way in Glendale.
