Parents and students press Tustin Unified to recognize girls beach volleyball as a CIF sport

Multiple parents, students and an educator urged the Tustin Unified School District board to establish girls beach volleyball as a CIF-recognized high school sport, saying the district’s pilot club last year demonstrated feasibility and demand.

Jennifer Davis, who said community volunteers organized a pilot season at Foothill High School, told the board that the 2025 season “functioned as a pilot, and it worked,” and that the program missed playoffs by the narrowest margin. She argued that beach volleyball is comparatively low-cost and expands college opportunities: “Think of those opportunities for the young women in this community for a nominal investment,” she said.

Several other parents spoke in support. Stephanie Robinette said her daughter, who made the Foothill freshman team, would benefit from district recognition that enables true CIF competition rather than club play. Parent Ellie Langdon described paying for club volleyball and urged the board to provide a district program to widen access. Educator and counselor Maya Kelly emphasized the developmental benefits of extracurriculars, saying they promote academic performance, leadership and social skills.

Speakers cited local context: many surrounding high schools in the CIF Southern Section already offer beach volleyball, and Jennifer Davis said roughly 36 of those schools are within driving distance of Foothill, Beckman, Legacy and Tustin. Advocates asked the board to “actively find a solution and respond to the voices of our students.”

What the board did: The public comment period closed after multiple speakers; the board did not take an immediate vote on creating a beach volleyball program during this meeting. Staff/board members acknowledged the comments and the need to consider district oversight and program structure.

Provenance: Topic introduced by Jennifer Davis at SEG 1026 and concluded with district staff/board acknowledgement at SEG 1281.