Nebraska adding sand volleyball as an NCAA sport

Two players from the University of Hawaii take place in a sand volleyball exhibition.

/Landov

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) -- Nebraska is adding sand volleyball as a women's varsity sport beginning this spring.

Sand volleyball has been an NCAA emerging sport for women since 2011, and 15 Division I schools sponsored teams last year. Athletic director Shawn Eichorst said Wednesday that details for Nebraska's program were finalized the past few days.

Nebraska will not offer scholarships. John Cook, who coaches the Cornhuskers' powerful on-court team, will be the head coach and players from the fall squad will join him.

Teams are required to play at least eight dates, with a minimum of three dual matches. The Huskers will play no home competitions this spring.

The NCAA will sponsor a sand volleyball championship when 40 schools sponsor teams, but no earlier than 2016.