The golden sands of Newport Beach, California, recently witnessed a spectacular display of athleticism and national pride as the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Elite event made its triumphant return to American soil. For the first time since 2018, an international major beach volleyball tournament unfolded in the United States, and the home teams certainly made it a memorable comeback, culminating in an all-American final that captivated fans and cemented a significant achievement for two rising stars.
A Season`s Goal Achieved: Brasher and Nuss Shine Bright
Amidst the fervent cheers of their home crowd, the American duo of Taryn Brasher and Kristen Nuss not only claimed the coveted gold medal but also achieved a deeply personal season objective. Heading into the Newport Beach Elite, their sights were set on securing a third gold medal for the 2025 season. They did not just aim; they delivered.
Their journey to the top of the podium was a testament to consistent performance and relentless determination. With this victory, Brasher and Nuss now boast an impressive five medals – three golds, one silver, and one bronze – from just seven Beach Pro Tour Elite events this season. A remarkable feat by any measure, proving that setting audacious goals might just be the secret ingredient to success.
“Playing at home made us feel great,” Brasher shared, radiating with pride. “We were very comfortable and very excited to be playing at home. We were going to battle and do whatever it took in practice to win this one. We saw a lot of what we had been doing in practice work in matches this week, and that was great too.”
Nuss echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the deeper meaning of their win: “Winning this one here in America is huge. But also, at the start of the year, we said we wanted to win three golds this season and we knew coming into this tournament that we would either get our goal for the year or we wouldn’t. So, we pushed for it.”
An All-American Podium Presence
The sheer dominance of American women`s beach volleyball was palpable throughout the tournament. The path to the final was paved early, with four US teams battling through the qualifiers to join the main draw, bringing the total to an impressive nine of the sixteen participating duos from the host country. As the competition intensified, American teams continued their surge, accounting for five of the eight quarterfinalists and a commanding three out of four semifinal spots.
Ultimately, it was an all-American showdown in the final, as Brasher and Nuss faced off against compatriots Julia Donlin and Lexy Denaburg. While Donlin and Denaburg put up a valiant fight, Brasher and Nuss proved too strong on the day, securing the title in straight sets (21-15, 21-14). This silver medal for Donlin and Denaburg further highlighted the depth of talent within the US beach volleyball scene, making the Newport Beach Elite truly a celebration of national prowess. It seems the home advantage isn`t just a psychological boost; sometimes, it’s a tangible competitive edge, delivering gold and silver straight to the doorstep.
Brazil`s Bronze Streak Continues
Preventing an absolute clean sweep of the podium by American teams were the formidable Brazilian Olympic champions, Eduarda ‘Duda’ Lisboa and Ana Patrícia Ramos. They expertly clinched the bronze medal, marking their fifth consecutive podium appearance this season – all of them bronze.
Their battle for third place saw them defeat another American duo, Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft, in a decisive two-set victory (21-11, 21-12). While perhaps slightly frustrating to consistently land in third, their consistency is undeniably impressive, a testament to their enduring skill and teamwork.
Ana Patrícia graciously commented on their experience: “It was a great pleasure to play here. We love playing in California, and I hope we can come back here for many, many years.”
Looking Ahead on the Beach Pro Tour
With the Newport Beach Elite now a glittering memory, the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour continues its global journey. Fans can anticipate more high-stakes action as the tour heads to a Challenge event in Nuvali, the Philippines, next week. Following that, the Elite tournament circuit will resume with another major stop in Cape Town, South Africa, scheduled from October 22-26.
The success in Newport Beach serves as a powerful indicator of the vibrant talent within American beach volleyball and provides thrilling momentum for the remainder of the 2025 season. For Brasher and Nuss, it’s not just a victory; it’s a testament to fulfilling a dream, right there on their home sand, surrounded by the echoes of a roaring crowd.
