Beach volleyball has featured a variety of exciting duos, however none are as exciting and excitement as Sarah Hughes and Kelly Cheng. Their achievements as collegiate athletes in the University of Southern California set the scene for a career in professional sports that is filled with expectations. As they get ready to reunite to try their luck at Olympic glory at the 2024 Paris Games, the sports world is keeping an eye on.
Who are Sarah Hughes and Kelly Cheng?
Growing up from Southern California, Sarah Hughes and Kelly Cheng have beach volleyball as a part of their DNA. Hughes aged 29 and Cheng aged 28 lived only a few miles apart in their early days and both were known as prodigies in volleyball. Hughes did well on sands as early as age 9, and Cheng worked on her technique at indoor courts prior to changing into beach volleyball.
They met as high school students. This led them to win bronze medals in both the 2013 FIVB U19 World Championships as well as their 2014 FIVB World U21 Championships. These early wins set the stage for what would become an historic collaboration on the college level.
What was it that made Hughes and Cheng So dominant at USC?
Named “Cardinal or Gold” in honor of the USC colors as well as their distinct hair hues, Hughes and Cheng’s partnership flourished during the college. In the beginning, they were paired up with teammates, they came together in their sophomore year, and instantly made a mark. The three years they spent at USC was absolutely spectacular with a total of more than 147 wins despite just four defeats.
The team’s achievements at the college level include helping USC to its very first two NCAA championships in beach volleyball, in 2017 and 2016 and also a win in the World University Games in 2016. Their success helped propel USC to the national spotlight in the game.
Why did Hughes and Cheng Split?
After graduation, Hughes and Cheng ventured into professional beach volleyball and expectations of a career in beach volleyball. But, their transition did not go as smoothly as they had hoped. The pressures of competition in professional sports led the pair to break up in the year 2017. Every athlete tried different alliances but with different degrees of satisfaction. Hughes joined forces together with Summer Ross, while Cheng discovered a new friend in Sarah Sponcil, even qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics but they fell short at the beginning of the event.
What was the trigger for Their Reunion?
It was after the Tokyo Olympics after the Tokyo Olympics, when Cheng was aware of the distinct relationship she had with Hughes was able to renew their relationship. The reunion wasn’t just about creating a winning team as well as regaining their bond, one that had been in a tense state during the previous time. They came together, resolved their disagreements and joined their efforts and set the stage for a resounding turnaround.
What has Hughes and Cheng Succeeded Since Reuniting?
After their reunion, Hughes and Cheng have swiftly recovered their form winning their first four events they participated in, which included their 2023 FIVB World Championships, which makes them their first American team to claim this title for 14 consecutive years. Their triumph continued after the victory they won at Ostrava, Czech Republic, qualifying them for 2024’s Paris Olympics. The win is not only an affirmation of their abilities but also their rekindled cooperation and a mutual trust.
He is the coach of Cheng’s wife, Jordan Cheng, and associate USC coach Gustavo Rocha, their training program and tactics have been refined to increase their potential and match their play styles.
What’s in store in the future for Hughes as well as Cheng?
In the midst of preparing to compete in 2024’s Paris Olympics, Hughes and Cheng focus on sustaining the success that was left by Team USA in beach volleyball that has seen the country win four of the past five Olympic gold medals. Their tale is one of determination as well as teamwork and determination to achieve excellence. Their remarkable synergy as well as established experience, Hughes and Cheng are not only participants, they’re formidable competitors for gold.
Their path from college champions to professional team members, and by way of separation and reunification is a perfect example of the spirit that drives athletic competition and the determination required to be in the top position. In the midst of preparing for their next adventure in Paris and the volleyball and beach volleyball enthusiasts across the globe are excited to find out if this energetic pair can make their famous background to Olympic gold.
