Iowa Central Community College is breaking new ground in junior college athletics, announcing the addition of women’s beach volleyball starting this fall. The move makes Iowa Central the first two-year institution in the state to offer the rapidly growing sport, signaling a commitment to expanding athletic opportunities for students and responding to increasing demand.
“There’s a different kind of energy when you know you’re the first,” said Guy Horn, Iowa Central’s athletic director, reflecting on the significance of the program launch. “You obtain to set the tone, create a culture and leave a legacy for others to follow. Every great journey starts with a single step. That step then becomes a leap toward growth and something bigger than yourself.”
The decision to add beach volleyball comes as the sport experiences significant growth at both the collegiate and youth levels. Since 2020, beach volleyball programs have increased by 50 percent across the United States, with over 100 NCAA institutions fielding teams and more than 1,600 athletes competing in 2023, according to data cited by Iowa Central. Last year, TCU claimed the NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship title, defeating Loyola Marymount in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
A Rising Tide in Collegiate and Youth Volleyball
The surge in popularity isn’t limited to the NCAA. Youth participation in beach volleyball is also on the rise, with a 15 percent increase in teams competing at the national level in recent years. The 2024 Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour featured a record 59 events across 20 different countries, demonstrating the sport’s growing global reach. The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) is also recognizing the trend, announcing plans to add a pairs event to the 2026 NJCAA Beach Volleyball Championship, with 16 groups expected to compete.
Palm Beach State College was crowned the 2025 NJCAA national beach volleyball champion, besting State College of Florida in Huntsville, Alabama.
Leveraging Existing Volleyball Expertise
Iowa Central is strategically positioned to launch a competitive beach volleyball program, leaning on the success of its existing indoor volleyball team and the expertise of head coach Sara Horn and assistant Gabby Marker. Sara Horn has led the Triton volleyball team since 2015, establishing a track record of success and developing a strong program culture. Marker previously played for Horn and now serves as her assistant, bringing valuable experience to the new beach volleyball initiative.
“We’re really excited about adding women’s beach volleyball,” Sara Horn said. “In addition to the new training opportunities our players will get, it provides potential student athletes a chance to play a new sport that is growing rapidly in popularity. With consistent growth in youth volleyball participation, we’ve seen many youth beach volleyball clubs popping up in Iowa and surrounding states, and we’re excited to give girls the opportunity to continue playing at the college level.”
Horn’s Transition to Athletic Director
The addition of beach volleyball is just one of several recent developments within the Iowa Central athletic department. Guy Horn’s appointment as athletic director, effective July 1, 2025, followed the retirement announcement of long-time Triton Football Coach and former Athletic Director Kevin Twait. Iowa Central President Dr. Jesse Ulrich highlighted Horn’s vision for the department, emphasizing both athletic success and student achievement.
Prior to his appointment as athletic director, Horn served as the Head Athletic Trainer at Iowa Central since 2015, adding the role of Associate Athletic Director in 2021. He holds degrees from Midland Lutheran College and Wayne State College.
Looking Ahead
Iowa Central’s investment in beach volleyball reflects a broader trend of junior colleges adapting to evolving student interests and expanding athletic offerings. The program is expected to attract student-athletes from across the region and contribute to the growing popularity of the sport in the Midwest. The NJCAA’s planned pairs event at the 2026 championship will provide an additional competitive opportunity for Iowa Central athletes. Information regarding tryouts and recruitment for the inaugural beach volleyball season will be released by the athletic department in the coming months.
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