After a special ribbon cutting ceremony and a red-vs-blue showcase of the women’s sand volleyball team, the courts are officially open.

President John Kelly and Athletic Director Pat Chung came to welcome the team to the program’s newly constructed home courts, which are the first in FAU history.

“This is just another example of Kelly’s commitment to athletics,” said Chung.

The team stood beside Kelly waiting to cut the ribbon to the courts.

“From all of us, thank you so much to President Kelly,” said head sand volleyball coach Capri Grotowski about the newly finished courts. “These courts are a dream come true to us.”

Fans and families cheered as they filled the new stands and surrounding area.

Owl’s sand volleyball team split into three teams of red and three teams of blue. Each of the red and blue teams competed against one another in a match to 28 points.

After the first match players took a break to sign team autographs for fans and to write personalized messages for them.

“This is just the beginning of a whole new legacy here at FAU,” said senior captain Mandy McIntosh.

“Not having to commute everyday, not having to worry about traffic, about making it in time for classes, or for [practice times], it’s really exciting,” said Grotowski.

The team plays its first match of the season in the Stetson tournament on March 6 and its first home game March 11 against FIU. The courts will be open to students any time the team isn’t using them.

Jasmine Garvey is a contributing writer for the University Press and can be reached here.