UCLA Beach Volleyball: From Hawaiian Challenges to Mapes Beach Dominance
The No. 2 UCLA beach volleyball team has demonstrated a remarkable ability to learn from adversity, transforming early-season struggles into a dominant performance at the Battle for LA tournament. After a 3-2 showing at the Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Beach Classic in Honolulu, the Bruins returned to Mapes Beach and secured 4-1 victories against Boise State and No. 3 Cal Poly, followed by sweeps of No. 11 Long Beach State and Pepperdine.
Turning Points: Honolulu to Home Turf
Coach Jenny Johnson Jordan emphasized the team’s growth mindset, stating they “handled it really well and grew a lot over the last week.” The windy conditions in Hawaii presented initial challenges, exposing areas for improvement. Although, the team didn’t dwell on the setbacks, instead using them as fuel for focused practice and refinement back in Los Angeles.
Veteran Leadership and Rising Stars
Senior Maggie Boyd and sophomore Sally Perez continue to be a cornerstone of UCLA’s success. The 2025 MPSF Pair of the Year has dropped only one game all season and maintained a flawless record throughout the Battle for LA tournament, securing straight-set wins against Boise State, Long Beach State, and Pepperdine. Boyd recently reached a significant milestone, achieving her 100th career collegiate win.
However, the Bruins’ success isn’t solely reliant on veteran players. Freshman Jesse Dueck has quickly become a valuable asset, posting a 4-0 record at the Battle for LA alongside junior Ava Williamson and redshirt sophomore Harper Cooper. Dueck’s family has a strong beach volleyball background, with a sister who played at Pepperdine and a cousin currently competing for Cal Poly.
Freshman Impact and Team Support
The influx of talent from UCLA’s five-player freshman class is proving pivotal. Williamson, a transfer from Arizona State, is also making an immediate impact, boasting a perfect 9-0 record on courts three and four. The team’s supportive environment is a key factor in the newcomers’ rapid development.
“We focused on letting the losses not take us down but to motivate us,” Dueck said. “We’re all in this together, and we have a huge army of support. Everybody showed how capable we are, and it showed with the games this weekend. It just motivated us more, never tore us down. … It was uplifting.”
Looking Ahead: MPSF Midseason Rumble
UCLA will next host the MPSF Midseason Rumble from March 6-7, facing Grand Canyon, No. 18 Washington, Oregon, and No. 1 Stanford. The team is focused on maintaining its upward trajectory and peaking at the right time – in May.
“It’s about growing and challenging ourselves, whoever we’re playing, bringing the same mindset to every team,” Boyd said. “We want to continue an upward trajectory each year and each tournament so we’re at our best in May.”
FAQ
Q: What is the significance of the Battle for LA tournament?
A: The Battle for LA is a key tournament for UCLA beach volleyball, featuring several top-ranked teams and providing a valuable opportunity to compete against strong opposition.
Q: How important is veteran leadership to the UCLA team?
A: Veteran leadership, particularly from players like Maggie Boyd, is crucial for providing guidance, stability, and a strong operate ethic.
Q: What role do freshmen play on the UCLA beach volleyball team?
A: Freshmen, like Jesse Dueck and Ava Williamson, are making significant contributions and adding depth to the team’s roster.
Q: What is UCLA’s strategy for dealing with challenges?
A: UCLA focuses on using challenges as opportunities for growth and improvement, fostering a positive and supportive team environment.
Did you know? Maggie Boyd is one of the most trusted players on the team, with Coach Jordan relying on her for game planning and leadership.
Pro Tip: Focusing on consistent improvement, rather than solely on wins and losses, is a key factor in long-term success in beach volleyball.
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