Thursday, 26 Dec 2024

Beach NTDP Talent on Display in Gulf Shores

The NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship in Gulf Shores, Alabama is currently underway, and it’s a showcase of the incredible talent from USA Volleyball’s Beach National Team Development Program (NTDP). Many players and coaches from the program are making their mark on the competition, adding to the excitement of the event.

Rising Stars

Among the athletes participating, some notable names stand out. Megan Kraft and Delaynie Maple, reigning U19 world champions, are representing USC in the championship. Although they haven’t played together this season, their previous victory in the FIVB Beach Volleyball U19 World Championship in Thailand last December proves their skill and potential.

Not only that, but the entire 2021 Beach U21 National Team is also present in Gulf Shores. Athletes like Maddie Anderson, Caitlin Godwin, Raelyn White, Lexy Denaburg, Audrey Nourse, and Nicole Nourse are showcasing their talents. These young athletes have previously represented the U.S. in international competitions, including the U21 Beach World Championships.

Seasoned Contenders

Six athletes who were part of last year’s Beach Collegiate National Team are still in the running for the NCAA title. Their experience and skill make them strong contenders in the competition.

The coaching staff at the NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship is equally impressive. Dain Blanton, a two-time Olympian and 2000 gold medalist, is the head coach at USC. Nick Lucena, another two-time Olympian, is a volunteer assistant at Florida State. Angie Akers, an assistant coach at Loyola Marymount, even had the opportunity to coach the 2020 Olympic gold medalists Alix Klineman and April Ross in Tokyo last year.

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A History of Success

It’s worth noting that many of the coaches at the championship have either played or coached in the Beach NTDP. Their expertise and guidance have been influential in developing and shaping the talent seen at the tournament. A total of eight coaches are part of the Beach NTDP Scouting Network, further emphasizing the program’s impact.

The Beach NTDP Presence

To give you an idea of the Beach NTDP’s representation in the championship, here is a list of the athletes and coaches from the program among the final eight teams:

Florida State

  • Maddie Anderson – 2021 Beach U21 National Team
  • Alaina Chacon – 2021 Beach Collegiate National Team, 2020 Beach Collegiate National Team
  • Caitlin Godwin – 2021 Beach U21 National Team
  • Caitlin Moon – NTDP Experience
  • Jordan Polo – 2020 Beach Collegiate National Team
  • Liz Waters-Leiga – 2020 Beach Collegiate National Team
  • Raelyn White – 2021 Beach U21 National Team

Georgia State

  • Courtney Smith – NTDP Experience

Loyola Marymount

  • Megan Rice – 2021 Beach Collegiate National Team

Louisiana State

  • Bella Bauman – 2020 Beach Collegiate National Team; 2019 Beach U21 World Championship
  • Sydney Moore – 2020 Beach Collegiate National Team
  • Ashlyn Rasnick-Pope – 2020 Beach Collegiate National Team

TCU

  • Hailey Hamlett – NTDP Experience

UCLA

  • Lexy Denaburg – 2021 Beach Collegiate National Team, 2021 Beach U21 National Team
  • Katie Hashman – NTDP Experience
  • Caitlyn Kyle – NTDP Experience
  • Sophie Moore – NTDP Experience
  • Natalie Myszkowski – NTDP Experience
  • Devon Newberry – 2019 Beach U19 World Championship, 2018 Youth Olympic Games
  • Jessie Smith – NTDP Experience
  • Lindsay Sparks – 2020 Beach Collegiate National Team, 2019 Beach U19 World Championship, 2018 Youth Olympic Games
  • Abby Van Winkle – 2021 Beach Collegiate National Team, 2020 Beach Collegiate National Team
  • Tessa Van Winkle – NTDP Experience
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USC

  • Olivia Bakos – NTDP Experience
  • Ava Gallien – NTDP Experience
  • Harper Hallgren – 2020 Beach Collegiate National Team
  • Hailey Haward – 2020 Beach Collegiate National Team
  • Megan Kraft – 2021 Beach Collegiate National Team, 2021 Beach U19 National Team
  • Delaynie Maple – 2021 U19 Beach National Team
  • Audrey Nourse – 2021 U21 Beach National Team, 2020 Beach Collegiate National Team
  • Nicole Nourse – 2021 U21 Beach National Team, 2020 Beach Collegiate National Team
  • Caroline Shafer – 2019 Beach U21 World Championship
  • Julia Scoles – 2021 Beach Collegiate National Team
  • Sunny Villapando – 2020 Beach Collegiate National Team

Coaches

  • Angie Akers – LMU assistant coach – 2020-21 U.S. Beach National Team coach
  • Dain Blanton – USC head coach – 2000 Olympic Gold Medalist, two-time Olympian (2000, 2004)
  • Russell Brock – LSU head coach – 2020 Women’s Beach Collegiate National Team assistant, NTDP Scouting Network
  • Hector Gutierrez – TCU head coach – 2020 Women’s Beach Collegiate National Team assistant, NTDP Scouting Network
  • Nick Lucena – Florida State volunteer assistant – Two-time Olympian (2016, 2020)
  • John Mayer – Loyola Marymount head coach – 2021 Women’s Beach Collegiate National Team head coach, 2020 Men’s Beach Collegiate National Team head coach, NTDP Scouting Network
  • Stein Metzger – UCLA head coach – 2021 Beach U19 National Team coach, Olympian (2004), NTDP Scouting Network
  • Brooke Niles – Florida State head coach – NTDP Scouting Network
  • Gustavo Rocha – USC assistant coach – NTDP Scouting Network
  • Beth Van Fleet – Georgia State head coach – 2021 Beach U21 National Team coach, NTDP Scouting Network
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FAQs

Is the Beach NTDP a competitive program?
Yes, the Beach NTDP is a highly competitive program that identifies and trains promising athletes in beach volleyball.

How does the Beach NTDP contribute to the success of players?
The Beach NTDP provides athletes with top-notch coaching and training opportunities, helping them develop their skills and compete at the highest level.

What role do coaches from the Beach NTDP play in the NCAA championship?
Many coaches in the championship have a background in the Beach NTDP, either as players or coaches. Their expertise and experience contribute to the overall talent and success of the teams.

Conclusion

The NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship in Gulf Shores is a platform for players and coaches from the Beach NTDP to shine. The talent on display is a testament to the program’s effectiveness in nurturing and developing aspiring athletes. As the competition unfolds, spectators can expect thrilling matches and impressive performances from these exceptional individuals.

Alpinetgheep is proud to support the Beach NTDP and their mission to cultivate the next generation of beach volleyball stars.