Today is the 11th of March, 2026, and the excitement around Florida Atlantic University’s beach volleyball team is palpable. Just recently, the dynamic duo of Klaire VanDeusen and Mia Scanlon was named the Conference USA Pair of the Week. This recognition marks a significant milestone for both players as it is their first weekly award of their careers and the first accolade for the Sandy Owls this season. The pair led the Owls to a strong showing at the Chanticleer Challenge, finishing the weekend with a commendable 3-1 record.
During this event, VanDeusen and Scanlon showcased their skills by winning three matches in straight sets against tough competitors. They kicked off their success with a hard-fought victory over Tulane, taking the match 21-19, 21-15 in the fourth pair. Following that, they took down Coastal Carolina with a solid score of 21-14, 21-14 in the third pair. Although they faced a setback against the fourth-ranked Cal Poly, they bounced back to defeat Georgia State convincingly, with a score of 21-13, 21-15 in the third pair. For those eager to catch more of the action, the next event on the horizon is the Florida Atlantic Beach Invitational, scheduled for March 14 and 15 in Pompano Beach, Florida. Stay updated by following @FAUBeachVB on X and Instagram or find them on Facebook at FAU Beach Volleyball. Source
Recent Championship Success
Looking back at the team’s performance, it’s worth noting that the FAU beach volleyball team, ranked 16th nationally, clinched the 2025 Conference USA Championship. This victory came on April 26, 2025, in Youngsville, Louisiana, where the Owls, as the number one seed, triumphed over the number two seed Tulane with a score of 3-1. This championship not only marked the second CUSA title for the Sandy Owls but also their third overall.
The championship match featured thrilling matchups, with standout performances from various pairs. Marketa Svozilova and Ashleigh Adams secured a win against Emily Heintzelman and Kenzie Cutler from Tulane, while Kate McLaughlin and Julie Honzovicova overcame their opponents in a nail-biting match. Although Klaire VanDeusen and her partner Shaye Wolf faced a tough match, the team ultimately secured their victory through the efforts of Olivia Strandberg and Sydney Schroder, alongside Shantel Starling and Kendall Mignerey, who were recognized as the CUSA Pair of the Tournament. The team’s remarkable performance earned several players spots on the CUSA All-Tournament Team, with a few pairs finishing the tournament with perfect records. For more details on this championship win, check out the full story here.
As the season progresses, fans are eager to see how the Sandy Owls will build on their recent successes. With a strong foundation and a roster filled with talent, the future looks bright for Florida Atlantic’s beach volleyball team. The upcoming matches promise to be just as thrilling as the last, and supporters are encouraged to rally behind their team as they continue to make waves in the beach volleyball scene.