Sara Hughes, a world champion in beach volleyball, is making a highly anticipated return to the sport alongside a new partner, Ally Batenhorst. Their goal? To qualify for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Hughes, renowned as one of the sport’s most reliable defenders, had a standout season in 2023 with former teammate Kelly Cheng. The pair clinched a world title and achieved multiple podium finishes on the Beach Pro Tour. However, Hughes' momentum was paused due to an Achilles injury, followed by surgery in 2025. Now fully recovered, she's back in action and training hard for a comeback.
Her new partner, 22-year-old Batenhorst, is best known for her accomplishments in indoor volleyball. She played for the Omaha Supernovas in the Pro Volleyball Federation and excelled in both beach and indoor formats during her college career at the University of Nebraska. While she lacks professional beach volleyball experience, her athletic skills and adaptability suggest promising potential.
The duo is set to debut on the Beach Pro Tour this fall. Their early strategy will emphasize:
- Gradual performance development
- Building on-court chemistry
- Long-term Olympic qualification goals
This exciting new team combines Hughes' seasoned expertise with Batenhorst’s rising talent, creating a compelling storyline in the world of women's beach volleyball.
For more details, visit the official announcement on Volleyball World.
