We've always enjoyed watching Beach Volleyball when we're watching the Olympic Games! This year our eyes are on Team USA Beach Volleyball duo, Sara Hughes and Kelly Cheng! They're a fun pair to watch when they hit the sand and we can't wait to see what they do at Paris 2024. We caught up with them to find out how they came to the sport, what they love about it, combining their super powers, how they stay in shape, Safe Sun, and more!
AM: You guys have been partners for awhile whether in high school, youth competitions, while competing at USC and beyond - tell me about your style of play and why this duo is so synergistic!
SH: We play with a lot of passion and love for the game. We are both athletic and dynamic and we love showing that on the court. We have great communication and inspire each other to get better every day and change the way ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you fall in the sport is played. love with volleyball? KC: We have such chemistry on and off SARA HUGHES: I fell in love at the age of the court. We connect well and make eight years old in Huntington Beach, Cali- each other laugh. We enjoy doing life fornia. together. Those intangible things have always been easy for us. Now add on KELLY CHENG: I fell in love with volleyball top of that our creativity, passion, deback when I was 11 years old. I started termination - and we’re unstoppable! out playing indoor and thought that was where I’d be for the rest of my life. When AM: Kelly, you competed at the OlymI tried out beach in high school… that all pics in Tokyo 2020 and Sara you are changed! I decided to play only beach in looking to add this to your impressive college and have been playing profession- resume! With us being 100 days out, ally ever since! what are the weeks ahead looking like in terms of qualifying and when you AM: What led to you choosing beach vol- find out about getting this coveted slot? leyball and what do you love about it? SH: I am so excited to be going to my SH: Beach volleyball has always had my first Olympic Games. We actually found heart from a young age. I love the envi- out a few weeks ago that we have ronment and atmosphere of the sport. qualified for Paris! We have 3 more big You have to be versatile and well versed in tournaments to compete in before the all aspects of the game. There are no subs games but we have a solid month of or coaches when you are on the court so training at home before the Olympics. you have to figure out how to win with During that time we will refine some one other person beside you. skills, game plan, and most importantly have fun and enjoy the journey. KC: I chose beach volleyball for so many reasons. The beach being my office is top KC: We were pumped to qualify for of the list. Getting to be outside for so Paris! It is so exciting to be going to my much of my life is such a joy. I love that second Olympics. This time will be SO there are only 2 people and no subs - you different. Tokyo was such a unique exhave to be adaptable and think on your perience due to all the Covid protocols feet. You’re so exposed out there on the and it being a closed Olympics. This court and have to figure out how to win time around, my family will come and just with you and your partner. Allowing cheer me on!! We have a couple more my creativity to shine on the court is an- tournaments worth Olympic points, other passion of mine. There isn’t one but after that we get a chunk of time way to play this game and I love pushing at home allowing us to spend time the envelope on how to play! with family and prepare for the Paris