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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (March 17, 2026) – USA Volleyball has selected the athletes who will represent the United States on the 2026 Beach U18 National Team at the 2026 FIVB Beach Volleyball U18 World Championship, scheduled for July 8-12 in The Hague, Netherlands.
The event begins with qualification matches on July 8, followed by main draw pool play on July 9-10. Elimination rounds begin July 11.
The United States will enter one boys pair and one girls pair directly into the main draw, while additional pairs will compete in the qualification tournament pending the U.S. receives a second bid. Reserve athletes and alternates have also been named.
Girls Roster
Main Draw
Lauren Leach (Laurel Springs HS/Southern California Southern Nevada Region) and Janie McCanna (ICL/West Seattle HS/Puget Sound Region)
Qualifier
Simrin Adams (Long Beach Wilson HS/Southern California Southern Nevada Region) and Sienna Castillo (Redondo Union HS/Southern California Southern Nevada Region)
Reserve
Sarah Cowan (The Stony Brook School/Florida Region) and Sage Illian (Maize South HS/Heart of America Region)
Alternates
Olivia Herron (Acellus HS/North Texas Region)
Lucy Matuszak (Mira Costa HS/Southern Califonia Southern Nevada Region)
Nariah Johnson (Santa Fe Christian HS/Southern California Southern Nevada Region)
Milaniakai Padilla (Seabury Hall/Aloha Region)
“Representing my country has always been a dream of mine,” Leach said. “I’m really looking forward to competing in the World Championship with USA on my back.”
McCanna added, “I’m incredibly honored and excited to represent USA this summer. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to compete in the World Championship. Go USA!”
Boys Roster
Main Draw
Gavin Mortensen (Williams Field HS/Arizona Region) and Caden Phillips (Williams Field HS/Arizona Region)
Qualifier
Camden Berry (Nixa HS/Heart of America Region) and Hunter Lourick (University HS/Southern California Southern Nevada Region)
Reserve
Christian Nieto (Mira Costa HS/Southern California Southern Nevada Region) and Dylan Hunter (Huntington Beach HS/Southern California Southern Nevada Region)
“I’m truly honored for this opportunity and grateful for the chance to represent my country in a sport I love,” Phillips said. “It means more to me than I can fully express, and I’m excited for what lies ahead. Let’s go, USA!”
Mortensen added, “I’m honored to represent USA, and I’m grateful for the trust of USA Volleyball in allowing me to play in the World Championship. This is an experience I will remember for the rest of my life, and I’m grateful to do this with my good friend Caden. I can’t wait to get out on the sand.”
Coaches and Staff
Girls Head Coach: Gustavo Rocha (University of Southern California)
Girls Assistant Coach: Brooke Niles (Florida State University)
Boys Head Coach: Billy Allen (Stanford)
Boys Assistant Coach: Patty Dodd (MB Sand)
Athletic Trainer: Stacy Struble (Southwestern College)
Team Leader: Judit Kolada (USA Volleyball Beach National Team Development Program)
“I was honored to represent the United States as a player and am excited to continue to serve our program as a coach,” Allen said. “Developing this age group and giving them meaningful international experience is vital to the future of USA Volleyball. I’m grateful to be part of their journey and look forward to seeing them compete on the World Championship stage.”
Rocha talked about what it means as a coach to lead a team at a World Championship.
“It means responsibility. It means leadership. It means being part of something bigger than myself,” he said. “I’m incredibly proud and truly honored to serve in this role. When you represent the United States, you carry pride, tradition and high standards. This isn’t just preparing the athletes for one tournament – it’s about shaping the future of American beach volleyball. These athletes are the next generation, and some may one day step onto the Olympic stage wearing USA across their chest.”
Before the World Championship, the U.S. will compete at the NORCECA U18 Qualification Tournament April 23-27 in Juan Dolio, Dominican Republic. Former indoor and beach pro player Patty Dodd will coach Mortensen/Phillips at the event, and four-time beach Olympian Jake Gibb will coach Leach/McCanna.
The United States enters the 2026 event following a strong performance at the 2025 U18 World Championships. Ella Grimes (Ursuline Academy/Ohio Valley Region) and Jordyn Scribner (Clear Falls HS/Lone Star Region) captured gold in the girls division, while Addison Junk and Avery Junk (Redondo Union HS /Southern California Southern Nevada Region) earned silver. On the boys side, Cash Essert (Redondo Union HS/Southern California Southern Nevada Region) and Spencer Smith (Gulf Breeze HS/Gulf Coast Region) finished ninth.