The TCU beach volleyball team has confidence and momentum entering the 2019 season as a member of the Coastal Collegiate Sports Association (CCSA).

The Horned Frogs are scheduled to compete against 14 teams that finished in the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Top 20 last season, including 10 of the Top 15.

“I wouldn’t say that we’re intimidated by any certain teams,” said junior Haven Hill. “It’s more that many of the other schools that we’re playing have bigger names than us but I think that we’re pretty prepared to play against them.”

The Horned Frogs will open the season with the purple and white scrimmage at the TCU beach courts Feb. 16.

“I’ve definitely seen a big difference from last year,” said senior Molly Scheel. “We’ve already improved so much from this time last year and I’m really excited to see where this season takes us.”

Following the scrimmage, TCU will begin the season against Florida Atlantic at the Paradise in the Burrow Feb. 22 and 23.

The veterans on the team said they’re looking forward to watching the five new first-year student-athletes in action.

“[Coach] Hector [Gutierrez] recruited based off of the new aspects of the game we really need, so what we can’t normally bring to the table, our new people can,” said Hill.

The Horned Frogs finished the 2018 regular season with a 10-22 record and a plan to show up confident and stronger than ever to take on their first season as a member of the CCSA.

“I think that being in a conference now also gives us a lot of recognition when it is decided who goes to the NCAAs because we’re not just some extra team out there,” said sophomore Hannah Rogers. “We’re a part of a conference and a strong one at that.”

The inclusion in the CCSA gives the team a higher chance at making it to the NCAA championships.

“It puts us on par with some of those East and West Coast teams, we’re not just some team in the middle of Texas now,” said Rogers.