Sara Hughes

Sara Hughes embarked on her journey into beach volleyball at the tender age of eight. This early dedication led her to become one of the top high school recruits for beach and indoor volleyball, later committing to play for the USC Trojans. During her tenure with the Trojans, Hughes recorded significant achievements. These include back-to-back NCAA Championships in 2016 and 2017 alongside her partner Kelly Claes and an AVCA Pairs Championship during her freshman year. Her outstanding performance at the college level was acknowledged with an AVCA Division I Collegiate Beach All-American honor in all four years of her college career. Additionally, Hughes holds a Bachelor's degree in business administration and a Master's degree in Entrepreneurship and Innovation.

Hughes turned professional in 2017, partnering with Kelly Claes. They made history as the youngest team to win an AVP event in the same year and were recognized as Sportswomen of the Year at the 2017 LA Sports Awards. Hughes teamed up with Summer Ross the following year to secure their first World Tour title. Hughes' agility and strategic defense, known for her "speed and relentless pursuit of every ball," played a crucial role in her success. Her exceptional performance on the tour led to her being named the 2017 FIVB Top Rookie and the 2018 AVP Best Defender. Hughes concluded the 2018 season with a third-place finish at the Yangzhou Open.

Continuing her successful partnership with Kelly Cheng (née Claes), Hughes won several Beach Pro Tour events in 2022. She achieved a career-high world ranking of No. 2 in August 2023 and was part of the team that clinched the World Championship in women's beach volleyball the same year. Beyond her professional achievements, Hughes is recognized as a role model in beach volleyball, demonstrating a strong commitment to the sport and a relentless pursuit of excellence. She continues to be an active player, showcasing her skills in various AVP tournaments, and has set her sights on future Olympic competitions.