The 2026 AVP beach volleyball season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet, thanks to a series of bold new player pairings on both the men’s and women’s sides. As Olympic partnerships dissolve and fresh alliances form, teams are eyeing a path to qualification with no guaranteed entries—meaning every point will count.
Key Men’s Division Changes
One of the most talked-about shifts is the formation of the team featuring Taylor Crabb and Andy Benesh. Crabb, a five-time Defensive Player of the Year, joins forces with Benesh, a 2024 Olympian, creating a formidable new contender.
- Miles Partain reunites with Paul Lotman, revitalizing a past partnership with added experience and Olympic credentials.
- Troy Field returns to blocking, pairing with Ryan Wilcox after missing out on qualification in 2025.
- Other promising team-ups include Wyatt Harrison with Cody Caldwell, and Avery Drost partnering with seasoned veteran Tim Bomgren.
Women’s Division Highlights
In the women’s draw, Kelly Cheng and Megan Kraft form a new team that’s turning heads. This marks Cheng’s third different partnership in as many years and ends Kraft’s long-standing run with Terese Cannon. Kraft’s standout serving in 2025 could provide a big spark.
- Reigning MVP Geena Urango now plays alongside Megan J. Rice, creating a blend of power and precision.
- Molly Shaw teams with Toni Rodriguez—a duo known for consistent all-around play.
- Betsi Flint is back, now paired with powerful blocker and aggressive server Kylie Deberg.
A Level Playing Field in 2026
With no automatic League spots available, players must battle through qualifications, adding a layer of unpredictability and intensity to every match. Many athletes are adjusting post-Olympics, recovering from injuries, or transitioning under new coaches, making this season especially dynamic.
As the 2026 season looms, the court is wide open for breakout stars and seasoned contenders to make their mark.
To read more, visit the full article on the AVP website.
