US Beach Volleyball Teammates Share Bond on Road to Paris

SALT LAKE CITY – Team USA beach volleyball teammates Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes are no strangers to each other, having played together at USC. Add to that the fact that the duo played together from 2013-2018, and the former Trojans are set to be one of the most experienced teams heading to Paris for the 2024 Summer Olympics.

A gold medal at the 14th Beach Volleyball World Championships in October secured them a spot in the women’s beach volleyball tournament at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The victory also cemented their name in U.S. women’s volleyball history as the fifth pair to win a world championship and the first since 2009.

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From California to the Eiffel Tower. ✈️

As Joe Manganiello said, no matter where the beach is, world champions Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes ARE the vibes. #Olympic Games in Paris photo.twitter.com/qCZ13GKHmK

— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) March 26, 2024

Hughes and Cheng discussed the importance of communication during their second attempt.

“Teamwork is a big part of our sport,” said the three-time NCAA champion Hughes. “There are two people on the court; communication is key.”

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“Growing up, I was always trying to compete with my siblings, and they’re not that competitive,” Cheng said with a smile. “I just pushed their buttons and wanted to compete.” Cheng was a member of the 2015 AVCA national championship team and played on two NCAA national title teams (2016, 2017) with USC.

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The 2024 Olympic Games in Paris open on Friday, July 29, with a closing ceremony on Sunday, August 11.

Brian Preece is a KSLsports.com insider covering the Utah State Aggies, Locals in MLB and Salt Lake Bees. Follow Brian’s Bees, Beehive baseball and Aggie athletics coverage here.

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