Key Takeaways
- Coach April Ross envisions a deep pool of U.S. women’s beach‑volleyball teams capable of contending for Olympic medals at LA28.
- The top‑ranked duo, Taryn Kloth and Kristen Nuss, combine size, power, speed, and elite defensive instincts.
- Behind them, Kelly Cheng and Megan Kraft show strong chemistry, while other pairs such as Lexy Denaburg/Julia Donlin and Taryn Cannon are emerging threats.
- Ross stresses that intelligence, adaptability, and enjoyment of the journey are as vital as physical talent.
- The upcoming LA28 Games will place unique pressure on American athletes, and Ross aims to pass on the balance between seriousness and fun that defined her own Olympic experiences.
The Vision Behind LA28 Preparation
Coach April Ross, a three‑time Olympian and 2021 gold‑medalist, is now guiding the U.S. women’s beach‑volleyball program toward the 2028 Los Angeles Games. In a recent Forbes‑exclusive interview, she explained that her primary goal is not simply to identify one dominant pair but to understand how many American teams could realistically contend for an Olympic medal. “I think anyone could make a run for LA,” Ross said, underscoring the extraordinary depth she sees in the current talent pool.
The Leading Pair: Kloth & Nuss
At the apex of her roster are Taryn Kloth and Kristen Nuss, whom Ross describes as “one of the best—if not the best—beach‑volleyball teams in the world.” Ranked No. 1 globally, the duo offers a complementary skill set: Kloth’s imposing size and net‑play dominate offensive actions, while Nuss’s lightning‑quick defensive instincts cover expansive court space. Ross highlighted Nuss’s ability to read the game, noting, “She is one of the best defenders in the world at recognizing situations and anticipating what is coming next.” This defensive mastery allows the pair to extend rallies and force opponents to earn every point, turning defense into their “superpower.”
Defensive Mastery and Chemistry
According to Ross, the synergy between Kloth and Nuss extends beyond raw athleticism. Their on‑court communication is seamless, enabling split‑second adjustments when a block fails or the ball skims the net. “They cover a lot of court,” she observed, emphasizing that the pair’s defensive range buys them the freedom to attack aggressively. Their partnership also reflects a philosophy Ross cultivated during her own career: success matters, but so does savoring the journey. Both athletes routinely explore host cities, seek out local cuisine, and occasionally extend trips post‑tournament, embodying a balanced approach that Ross believes fuels sustained performance.
The Next Promising Duo
Behind the top pair, Ross sees strong potential in Kelly Cheng and Megan Kraft. While not yet officially paired, the chemistry between them is evident, and Ross remarked, “All signs point to yes.” Kraft, a younger athlete emerging from the college system, gains a vital mentorship role through this partnership, which Ross believes will accelerate her development. The duo’s complementary strengths—Kraft’s technical finesse paired with Cheng’s strategic court positioning—create a dynamic that could challenge the established leaders as the LA28 cycle progresses.
Emerging Challengers
Beyond the front‑runners, several other teams are generating considerable buzz. Lexy Denaburg and Julia Donlin, who placed fifth at the previous World Championships and fourth at an Operation Gold event in Switzerland, are praised by Ross for their physicality and talent. Donlin, a UCLA alumna, represents a new generation entering the national‑team pipeline. Additionally, Taryn Cannon, returning from a shoulder injury, is slated to debut at the Manhattan Beach Open, with Ross anticipating that Cannon will soon become part of the LA28 conversation. The sheer volume of competitive U.S. teams—Ross noted that 12 women’s pairs competed at a recent Operation Gold event—reflects a robust development system anchored by the NCAA and USA Volleyball’s pipelines.
Ross’s Coaching Philosophy: Intelligence Over Raw Power
Drawing from her own three‑Olympic‑Games experience, Ross stresses that elite beach volleyball demands more than height, jumping ability, or power; it requires sharp mental acuity. “They’re both really intelligent,” she said of Kloth and Nuss, adding that the sport’s essence lies in reading opponents, making split‑second decisions, and maintaining fluid communication with a partner. This emphasis on “intelligence” translates into training that prioritizes situational awareness and adaptive strategy over rote skill repetition.
The Pressure of Home‑Soil Olympics
When asked about the unique pressures of coaching the U.S. team in front of a home crowd, Ross described the need to strike a delicate balance: “Athletes have to be serious enough to perform but free enough to enjoy the moment.” The 2028 Games will subject American athletes to heightened scrutiny, making it essential for them to embrace the ceremonial aspects—opening ceremonies, family support, national pride—without being overwhelmed by expectation. Ross’s own journey from Olympic disappointment to gold in Tokyo taught her that the experience itself can be a source of resilience when approached with the right mindset.
Legacy and Future Outlook
Looking ahead, Ross aims to imprint her hard‑earned wisdom onto the next generation of players, focusing less on technical minutiae and more on the intangible elements of joy, adaptability, and confidence. If the current depth of talent continues to develop, LA28 could yield not just a single medal contender but a cohort of American women capable of all making podiums. In Ross’s words, “The most valuable thing I may give them is not technical; it may simply be the ability to let go and enjoy the moment.” This philosophy may well become the defining legacy of her coaching tenure as the countdown to 2028 progresses.
