Taylor Crabb and Andy Benesh Announce New Beach Volleyball Partnership

Los Angeles, Calif. (January 21, 2026) – U.S. Beach National Team athletes Taylor Crabb and Andy Benesh have officially joined forces, marking one of the most anticipated new partnerships on the AVP and international beach circuits. The duo aims to build momentum through the 2026 and 2027 seasons as they prepare for an Olympic qualification run leading into the LA 2028 Games

For both athletes, the timing couldn’t be better.

“Where both of us are in our careers makes this the right moment,” Crabb said. “I’ve had time away from international tournaments, and that fire is fully back. Andy has been the top blocker in the U.S. for the last four years. When the best player says he wants to team up, you say yes.”

Benesh agreed, emphasizing the alignment of vision and hunger between the two.

“We both have the desire to be on the podium at LA28 and will work hard and compete hard to get there,” he said. “Taylor’s one of the purest volleyball players in the world—he’s fast, athletic, and fearless. It’s an honor to share the court with him.”

The pair’s chemistry extends beyond their complementary playing styles. Crabb highlighted how naturally their personalities and competitiveness align.

“We get along great and compete similarly. Even in early practices, it felt smooth and effortless.”

Both also note their shared versatility as a key tactical weapon, with the ability to adapt creatively on both offense and defense.

“We’ll be competing and training as much as possible this year to figure out our strengths and weaknesses,” Benesh said. “Once qualification begins, we’re all in.”

Beyond results, both Crabb and Benesh hope their journey reignites enthusiasm for American men’s beach volleyball.

“When two people truly believe in each other, failure becomes impossible, regardless of the outcome,” Crabb shared.

Benesh added, “We want to inspire the next generation and put U.S. men’s beach volleyball back on top of the world.”