Palm Beach Atlantic University Women's Volleyball

Palm Beach Atlantic University has announced the addition of beach volleyball as the 18th intercollegiate sport beginning in 2019-20. Christina Matthews was hired as the beach volleyball programs inaugural head coach in 2018. In her second season at the helm, Matthews led the 'Fish to a 17-7 record and to the semifinals of the AVCA Small College Championship. PBA reached the postseason for the first time in the programs second year. PBA recorded the biggest win in the program's history when they defeated #20 ranked Florida Gulf Coast 3-2. The Sailfish also defeated the eventual AVCA Champions in Tampa for the first time.  The Sailfish found success under Matthew's watch in 2019-20. PBA posted an impressive 10-2 record in its first year of competition, including five wins over NCAA Division I schools. The 'Fish also notched wins against SSC foes Florida Southern and Saint Leo. The season was cut short due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Matthews was a four-year standout for the Sailfish on the indoor volleyball team, finishing her career as an AVCA All-American in 2013. The West Palm Beach native registered over 900 kills and 300 blocks in her four seasons as the Fish qualified for the NCAA Regional Tournament in 2012 and 2013. After her playing days at PBA, Matthews turned her attention to professional volleyball playing both indoor and beach. She played for the Florida Wave in the Premier Volleyball League in 2014 as the team captured the league championship. She also played professionally in Sweden and the Philippines before transitioning to beach volleyball. Matthews has competed in the National Volleyball League and the AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour. She won an EVP event and qualified for a FIVB event as well. Shes also won several AVPNext tournaments as well as competing and winning local open beach events.