Phoenix, AZ, February 19, 2026

Grand Canyon University athletics is on an impressive rise, positioning various programs for NCAA success while enhancing local economic growth. The university’s commitment to competitive excellence is evident as its beach volleyball team and basketball programs aim for national recognition. GCU’s strategic moves bolster its role as an economic pillar in Phoenix, generating significant local employment and contributing to community initiatives. As GCU continues making strides in collegiate sports, its influence on the local economy and community well-being grows, showcasing the power of athletics to drive prosperity.

GCU Athletics Soars: National Spotlight and Local Economic Growth

Grand Canyon University’s Athletic Programs Forge Path to NCAA Prominence, Bolstering Phoenix Community

Phoenix, AZ — Grand Canyon University (GCU) athletics continues its impressive trajectory, positioning multiple programs for significant NCAA success in the 2025-26 season while concurrently cementing its role as a vital economic and community pillar in the Valley. The university’s strategic expansion and commitment to competitive excellence are driving a new era for Phoenix AZ sports, showcasing the power of private initiative and responsible growth in collegiate athletics.

With its beach volleyball team reaching new seasonal heights and other key sports like baseball and women’s basketball making strong pushes, GCU is demonstrating a clear vision for national impact. This athletic ambition is interwoven with a profound dedication to local development, fostering community strength and contributing substantially to the state’s economic landscape, proving that success on the field can directly translate to prosperity off it.

Beach Volleyball Sets Sights on National Stage

Lopes Enter Season with Championship Aspirations

Grand Canyon beach volleyball, under head coach Abra Rummel, is embarking on the 2026 season with a focus on confidence and a highly competitive schedule designed to test its mettle against the nation’s best. The Lopes opened their season at home, hosting the Canyon Classic on February 20-21, 2026, facing formidable opponents including reigning national champion TCU, Colorado Mesa, No. 11 Arizona State, and Arizona.

The 2026 schedule includes 12 opponents who qualified for the NCAA Championship, reflecting the program’s ambitious goals. GCU boasts a strong home-court advantage, having gone undefeated (7-0) at the GCU Beach Volleyball Stadium last season and maintaining an 81% winning record at the venue since its opening in 2017. The team returns a veteran core, including All-Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF) second-team honorees and sisters Becca and Jessica Drake, who recorded a 24-5 record as a pair last season and earned AVCA Top Flight honors in Flight 3. Other key returners, such as Katie Keefe, a dominant blocker who competed at the No. 1 spot, and Karynn Garrow, who achieved a 24-8 record, are pivotal to the team’s NCAA potential.

Basketball Programs Navigate New Conference Landscape

Women’s Hoops Builds on Recent NCAA Bid

The 2025-26 season marks a significant transition for Grand Canyon athletics as the university officially moved to the Mountain West Conference. This shift comes after GCU’s women’s basketball program achieved a historic milestone in the 2024-25 season, finishing 32-3 overall and an undefeated 16-0 in Western Athletic Conference (WAC) play, securing both the regular season and tournament championships. This success culminated in the program’s first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance as a No. 13 seed.

Following the departure of successful head coach Molly Miller to Arizona State in March 2025, first-year head coach Winston Gandy now leads the women’s team. As of February 15, 2026, the Antelopes hold an 9-16 overall record and an 8-7 standing in their inaugural Mountain West Conference season. The team looks to build momentum with upcoming conference matchups, including hosting Utah State on February 21, 2026, and San José State on February 28, 2026.

Baseball Competes in Challenging Early Season

Lopes Eyeing Fourth NCAA Regional Trip

Grand Canyon baseball opened its 2026 campaign in the highly competitive MLB Desert Invitational, participating for the fourth consecutive season. The Lopes secured a 10-0 victory over Northeastern but faced tough competition, concluding the tournament with a 1-2 record after a 9-1 loss to Nebraska on February 15, 2026. This early-season schedule is designed to prepare the team for a rigorous Mountain West Conference slate. GCU is pursuing its fourth NCAA regional trip in five seasons, highlighting a consistent pursuit of national postseason play. The team is scheduled to host Oklahoma State for a four-game series from February 19-22, 2026, at Brazell Field at GCU Ballpark.

Strategic Conference Realignment Elevates Profile

Mountain West Membership Bolsters National Exposure

The decision for Grand Canyon University to join the Mountain West Conference for the 2025-26 academic year, earlier than initially anticipated, underscores a strategic move to enhance its athletic and institutional profile. This transition follows an earlier announcement in May 2024 of GCU joining the West Coast Conference (WCC), which was subsequently superseded by the Mountain West invitation due to contractual considerations with the WAC and the opportunity for increased revenue and competitive visibility.

The Mountain West provides a platform for GCU’s basketball, volleyball, and baseball programs to compete at a national level against strong competition, as articulated by GCU Athletic Director Jamie Boggs. While GCU will be the only institution in the Mountain West without a football team, the move significantly boosts media exposure through partnerships with CBS Sports and Fox Sports, providing a broader platform for Lopes athletics.

GCU’s Impact: Driving Phoenix’s Economic and Community Vitality

Private Enterprise Fuels Local Prosperity and Safety

Beyond the athletic arenas, Grand Canyon University stands as a significant engine for economic development and community improvement in Phoenix, AZ. The university’s operations contribute substantially to the local and state economy, supporting an estimated 21,248 full-time equivalent jobs and generating $1.1 billion in labor income annually. Its overall economic output reaches $2.8 billion each year, contributing $80.7 million in state and local tax revenues.

GCU’s commitment to community self-reliance and responsible growth is evident in its multi-faceted approach to neighborhood revitalization. The university’s initiatives have driven an 842% increase in median home values within the 85017 ZIP code since 2011. Through an 11-year, $2.2 million partnership with the City of Phoenix for the Neighborhood Safety Initiative, GCU contributed to a 37.7% reduction in crime in targeted areas, saving an estimated $65.6 million. Additionally, the GCU CityServe initiative has distributed over $15.3 million in essential goods to more than 74,000 families in need since 2021, showcasing a profound impact on community well-being. The university also fosters entrepreneurship through Canyon Ventures, a business incubator that offers free rent to startups, with several businesses already establishing storefronts in Phoenix. This integrated approach highlights how private institutions like GCU can be powerful catalysts for comprehensive regional development, contributing to the vibrant landscape of Phoenix AZ sports and the broader community.

Grand Canyon University’s athletic achievements and its deep commitment to the Phoenix community reflect a model of success fueled by initiative and strategic investment. As the Lopes continue to elevate their presence in the NCAA, their impact on the local economy and the quality of life for Arizona residents will only continue to grow. We encourage residents and sports enthusiasts to engage with GCU athletics and witness firsthand the competitive spirit and community dedication that define this thriving institution.

The ongoing development of GCU athletics also adds to the rich tapestry of sports in Arizona, complementing established programs like University of Arizona AZ athletics and the diverse range of college football in Phoenix and beyond, creating a dynamic and engaging environment for sports fans across the state.

FAQ Section

What is Grand Canyon University’s recent conference realignment?

Grand Canyon University officially joined the Mountain West Conference for the 2025-26 academic year.

What was GCU Women’s Basketball’s achievement in the 2024-25 season?

The GCU Women’s Basketball team finished the 2024-25 season 32-3 overall and 16-0 in WAC play, winning both the regular season and tournament championships, and making their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance.

What is GCU Beach Volleyball’s home record since 2017?

GCU Beach Volleyball has won 81% of its home matches since the GCU Beach Volleyball Stadium opened in 2017.

What is the estimated economic output generated by GCU operations annually?

GCU operations generate an estimated $2.8 billion in economic output each year.

How many jobs does GCU’s presence support in Arizona?

GCU’s presence supports an estimated 21,248 full-time equivalent jobs locally and throughout Arizona.

What was the crime reduction rate in neighborhoods surrounding GCU due to the Neighborhood Safety Initiative?

The Neighborhood Safety Initiative, a partnership with the City of Phoenix, led to a 37.7% reduction in crime in targeted areas.

Which major reigning national champion is GCU Beach Volleyball scheduled to play in February 2026?

GCU Beach Volleyball is scheduled to host reigning national champion TCU on February 20, 2026.

Feature Table: Grand Canyon University Athletics & Community Impact Highlights (2025-26 Season)

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Lumberjacks Celebrate Senior Night with a Victory
Arizona Legal Innovator Surpasses $2 Billion in Client Recoveries
AZ Compass Prep Secures Narrow Win Against Oak Cliff Faith Family Academy
Grand Canyon University Men’s Basketball Achieves Major Victory
GCU Men’s Basketball Achieves Milestone Win
University of Hawai’i Men’s Tennis Team Secures Victory in Phoenix
Arizona Wildcats Suffer Setback Against Texas Tech
University of Arizona Women’s Basketball Faces Overtime Defeat
ASU Baseball Kicks Off New Season with Ambitious Goals
Arizona Christian University Launches Women’s Flag Football Team

Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER

The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.