Introduction to Sara Hughes’ New Partnership
Reigning beach volleyball world champion Sara Hughes searched far and wide for her new partner. So far and wide that she didn’t even pick a professional beach volleyball player.
Hughes will team up with Ally Batenhorst, a professional indoor volleyball player for the Omaha Supernovas of the Pro Volleyball Federation, on her quest to qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, the new duo revealed exclusively to NBC.
The Discovery of Ally Batenhorst
“When I first saw her, I was like, ‘wow,’” Hughes said. “She has such athleticism. She looks like a true leader on the court. She’s very passionate, and I thought all those would translate to the beach.” While the 22-year-old Batenhorst has only played indoor volleyball professionally, she does have experience playing beach volleyball in college. Prior to transferring to USC, where she solely played indoor volleyball and was a 2024 AVCA All-American Honorable Mention, she played both indoor and beach volleyball at Nebraska, finishing with a 39-28 career record on the sand.
Transitioning from Indoor to Beach Volleyball
“I would say it’s like a completely different sport,” Batenhorst said. “You have to learn little things like wind and you’re outside and it’s only two of you, so little things like that are an adjustment for sure. But at the end of the day, it’s volleyball.” Hughes was looking for a new partner after suffering an Achilles tendon injury earlier this year. Her partner when she finished fifth at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Kelly Cheng, is now playing with Molly Shaw. Hughes is back on the sand and practicing. She said that her recovery is going “really well” and hopes to make her competitive debut with Batenhorst this fall.
Batenhorst’s Transition from Indoor Volleyball to Beach Volleyball
There is precedent for bringing an indoor volleyball player to the sand. Nobody knows this better than Hughes’ agent Tom McCarthy, the president and CEO of Progressive Sports Management. McCarthy was Misty May-Treanor’s agent when they recruited Kerri Walsh Jennings from the U.S. indoor national team to beach volleyball. The duo went on to win three consecutive Olympic gold medals together. “The game hadn’t seen a body [like the 6-foot-3 Walsh Jennings] that big and built that way and they revolutionized the sport,” McCarthy said. “Even though it’s very different from that time in 2000, it’s actually the same on a bigger scale because the game has advanced so much. The athletes have gotten so much bigger and stronger and faster, so then we have had to adapt to that.” Batenhorst certainly has the height. The Houston native is 6-foot-5, the same height as 2020 Olympic champion Alix Klineman. Cheng, Hughes’ prior partner, is listed at 6-foot-2.
Instant Chemistry between Batenhorst and Hughes
Hughes sent an Instagram direct message to Batenhorst to initiate the partnership discussion. They bonded over their similarities. Both attended USC, where Batenhorst wore No. 14 for the indoor team and Hughes wore No. 14 on the sand. Both are passionate about faith, education and music. “Right away the communication was so easy,” Batenhorst said. “It’s hard to find that right away within a beach volleyball partnership.” McCarthy added, “I’ve never seen [Hughes] laugh and smile so much” as when she is around Batenhorst. Off the sand, the new duo is working through important team dynamics. “Maybe a cute little fan will figure out a nickname for us,” Hughes said. “We’re also going to establish a handshake.” Batenhorst and Hughes are looking ahead to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Beach volleyball will be played less than 20 miles from Hughes’ high school, Mater Dei, and less than 25 miles from their alma mater, USC.
Conclusion
The partnership between Sara Hughes and Ally Batenhorst is an exciting development in the world of beach volleyball. With their combined skills, experience, and chemistry, they are a force to be reckoned with. As they prepare for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, they are determined to be the hardest working team and make their mark on the sport. The 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games will feature more events and will award more medals than prior Olympics.
FAQs
- Q: Who is Sara Hughes’ new partner?
A: Ally Batenhorst, a professional indoor volleyball player for the Omaha Supernovas of the Pro Volleyball Federation. - Q: What is Batenhorst’s experience with beach volleyball?
A: Batenhorst has experience playing beach volleyball in college, finishing with a 39-28 career record on the sand. - Q: When do Hughes and Batenhorst plan to make their competitive debut?
A: They hope to make their competitive debut this fall. - Q: What are Hughes and Batenhorst’s goals for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics?
A: They are determined to be the hardest working team and make their mark on the sport, with the ultimate goal of standing on the top of the podium.
