What Is 2011 NCAA Men's Volleyball Tournament

Overview

The 2011 NCAA Men's Volleyball Tournament marked the 42nd edition of the championship, determining the top men's collegiate volleyball team in Division I and II. Six teams competed in a single-elimination format, culminating in a final match on May 7, 2011, at the Galen Center in Los Angeles, California.

This tournament was notable for its competitive balance and dramatic final, which saw UC Irvine claim its second national title. The event showcased elite-level collegiate volleyball, drawing fans and media attention to a sport that, while less publicized than basketball or football, has a strong following in specific athletic conferences.

• UC Irvine defeated USC 3–2 in the championship match, overcoming a 2–1 deficit to win the final two sets, with the decisive fifth set ending 15–11.
• The tournament began on May 3, 2011, with four first-round matches leading into the semifinals and final held over the next four days.
• Six teams participated, including UC Irvine, USC, Ohio State, BYU, Lewis, and Penn State, representing both Division I and II programs.
• UC Irvine entered the tournament as the top seed, finishing the regular season with a 23–4 record and winning the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF) title.
• The Galen Center hosted the final rounds, a 10,258-seat arena that provided a high-profile venue for the championship weekend.

How It Works

The NCAA Men's Volleyball Tournament follows a structured format designed to identify the national champion through a series of elimination matches. The process includes team selection, seeding, and a bracket-style progression culminating in a championship match.

• Selection Process: The NCAA Selection Committee chooses six teams based on win-loss records, conference championships, and Ratings Percentage Index (RPI). At-large bids are awarded to non-champions with strong resumes.
• Seeding: The top two teams are seeded based on performance, with UC Irvine seeded #1 and USC as #2 in 2011, ensuring they could only meet in the final.
• Match Format: All games are best-of-five sets, with teams needing to win three sets to advance. A set is won by reaching 25 points, with a two-point advantage required.
• Hosting: The NCAA selects a predetermined site for the final rounds; in 2011, the Galen Center in Los Angeles was chosen, centralizing the semifinals and final.
• Eligibility: Only Division I and II schools are eligible, though only seven conferences sponsored men's volleyball in 2011, limiting the number of automatic qualifiers.
• Player Eligibility: Athletes must maintain NCAA academic standards and have remaining four years of eligibility; redshirts and medical hardships are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2011 NCAA Men's Volleyball Tournament with previous editions and structural norms.

The 2011 tournament followed the standard six-team format used since 2001, with minor variations in hosting sites and participant strength. While the number of teams has remained consistent, the competitive landscape has shifted, with UC Irvine and Ohio State emerging as powerhouses. The use of a centralized venue since 2009 has improved attendance and media coverage, contributing to the sport’s visibility.

Why It Matters

The 2011 NCAA Men's Volleyball Tournament had lasting implications for collegiate athletics and the development of men's volleyball in the United States. It highlighted the growing competitiveness of the sport and the rising prominence of programs outside traditional powerhouses.

• UC Irvine’s 2011 title solidified its status as a national contender, marking its second championship in five years and boosting recruitment and program funding.
• USC’s strong performance signaled a resurgence for the Trojans, who returned to the final for the first time since 1990, drawing renewed interest from alumni and fans.
• The tournament increased exposure for men's volleyball, with ESPN3 streaming matches and generating over 50,000 live views, a record for the sport at the time.
• BYU’s inclusion as a non-MPSF team demonstrated the NCAA’s willingness to recognize strong programs from non-traditional conferences, promoting national balance.
• Player development pipelines were strengthened, with several 2011 participants later joining the U.S. Men's National Team, including UC Irvine’s Carson Clark.
• The event influenced future hosting decisions, leading the NCAA to continue using large arenas like the Galen Center to maximize attendance and media impact.

Overall, the 2011 tournament served as a milestone in the evolution of collegiate men's volleyball, combining athletic excellence with strategic growth initiatives that continue to shape the sport today.