USC Beach Volleyball Starts 2026 Season with High Hopes in Honolulu
The USC Beach Volleyball team is kicking off the 2026 season with a splash in Honolulu, competing in the Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Beach Classic hosted by the University of Hawai'i. This marks the third consecutive year that the Women of Troy start their season in the Aloha State, and they’re ready to make waves.
Match Lineup
Match #1 vs No. 2 Stanford
- Date & Time: Thursday, Feb. 19 at 1 p.m. PT
- Series History: USC leads 17-5
- Last Meeting: USC narrowly lost 2-3 in April 2025.
Match #2 vs No. 7 Loyola Marymount
- Date & Time: Thursday, Feb. 19 at 4:45 p.m. PT
- Series History: USC leads 32-2
- Last Meeting: USC fell 1-3 in May 2025.
Match #3 at No. 16 Hawai'i
- Date & Time: Friday, Feb. 20 at 11:45 a.m. PT
- Series History: USC leads 19-3
- Last Meeting: USC dominated with a 5-0 victory in April 2025.
Match #4 vs No. 9 California
- Date & Time: Friday, Feb. 20 at 3:30 p.m. PT
- Series History: USC leads 14-4
- Last Meeting: USC edged out a 3-2 win in April 2025.
Match #5 vs No. 1 UCLA
- Date & Time: Saturday, Feb. 21 at 2:15 p.m. PT
- Series History: USC leads 29-21
- Last Meeting: USC triumphed 3-1 in April 2025.
Match #6 vs No. 6 Texas
- Date & Time: Saturday, Feb. 21 at 4:45 p.m. PT
- Series History: USC leads 1-0
- Last Meeting: USC secured a 3-0 win in March 2025.
Season Opener Tradition
The Trojans are known for their strong season starts, boasting a perfect 14-0 record in openers. Last year, they kicked off with a tight 3-2 victory over No.
12 Hawai'i. Their history includes five 5-0 sweeps, five 4-1 wins, and four 3-2 nail-biters.
Fresh Faces and New Energy
USC is introducing 10 new players this season, including six freshmen and four transfers. Notably, Kerry Keefe and Manu Johnsen bring their indoor volleyball experience to the beach. Keefe, a former Duke standout, returns to her Southern California roots, while Johnsen, a Danish player, makes history as USC's first from Denmark.
Transfers Alana Embry and Quincy Stephens add depth, coming from successful stints at Utah and NC State, respectively. Freshman Sarah Wood, a standout from Glen Mills, Pa., has already made waves on the AVP circuit and is poised to be a key player for the Trojans.
Dominance in Hawai'i
USC boasts a 31-6 record in Hawai'i, with past losses only to Hawai'i, Stanford, LMU, and UCLA. This year, they’re facing six nationally ranked teams, including top-ranked UCLA and No. 2 Stanford, setting the stage for a thrilling start.
Aiming for Glory
With seven NCAA Championships in the last decade, including four consecutive titles, USC continues to set the standard in beach volleyball. The Trojans are ready to defend their legacy and add to their storied history.
Players to Watch
Zoey Henson and Kennedy Coakley are on the AVCA Player of the Year Watch List after stellar 2025 seasons. Henson, an AVCA First Team All-American, and Coakley, with a remarkable 30-5 record, are expected to lead the charge for USC.
As the Trojans hit the sand in Honolulu, fans can expect a blend of seasoned talent and fresh energy, promising an exciting start to the season.