This week Volleyball Magazine listed Georgia State as the best place to play beach volleyball in the state. The three courts tucked away on the corner of Decatur Street and Piedmont Avenue have been home to the nationally ranked Sandy Panthers for the past eight seasons. 

The construction for the current GSU Beach Complex began in summer of 2012. Prior to hosting sand and palm trees, the court area outside of the GSU Sports Arena was home to recreational tennis courts. Even further in its history, the courts were once the site of an ice and coal company that supplied the railroad, which still runs behind the courts today. 

     
Above: The start of construction at the present GSU Beach Complex

 
Above: GSU Beach Complex at the 2012 Dedication 

Even as the courts have been built they are ever evolving. Prior to the 2019 season a large mural was painted to showcase the unique setting of beach volleyball in downtown Atlanta. 

The first home dual held at Georgia State occurred March 12, 2013, resulting in a 3-2 victory over Mercer. Since then the Panthers have accumulated a 35-4 home record, going undefeated in home play during the 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2020 seasons. 

Over its short beach volleyball history the GSU Beach Complex has hosted some of the fiercest competition in collegiate beach volleyball. In 2013 GSU hosted their first ever ranked opponent, No. 3 Florida State. The following year Pepperdine, the defending National Champions at the time, made the cross country voyage to Atlanta. Nearly every year the team battles in a top-15 match up. Most recently the Sandy Panthers defeated No. 15 TCU during the 2020 Day of Duals. 

Stay tuned for more news and notes from GSU Beach Volleyball as the Sandy Panthers begin preparing for the 2021 season.