TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The UAB Beach Volleyball team kicks off its 2026 campaign this weekend at the Unconquered Invitational hosted by Florida State, embarking on a season poised for national recognition and built on a foundation of returning experience and a challenging schedule.
Coming off a program-record 21-win season in 2025, the Blazers received a vote in the AVCA Collegiate Beach Preseason Coaches Poll, signaling a rising profile within the collegiate beach volleyball landscape. The team’s 2026 schedule is ambitious, featuring matchups against seven teams initially ranked in the preseason top 20, beginning with a formidable test against No. 8 Florida State on .
The opening weekend in Tallahassee presents an immediate opportunity to gauge the team’s progress against top competition. UAB will face the Seminoles at 8 a.m. CT on Friday, followed by a contest against No. 18 Georgia State at 4:45 p.m. CT later that afternoon. Saturday’s schedule includes matches against Cal State Bakersfield at 9:15 a.m. CT and North Alabama at 1 p.m. CT, providing a diverse range of opponents to start the season.
Beyond the Unconquered Invitational, the Blazers’ spring schedule is designed to push them to their limits. Trips to the West Coast for the Long Beach State Invitational and to DeLand, Florida, for the Stetson Spring Invitational, alongside a pair of home tournaments, will provide ample opportunities to refine their strategies and build momentum.
Leading the charge for UAB will be the senior duo of Jasmine Haas and Olivia Stant, who have already etched their names into program history. Named to the CUSA Beach Volleyball Preseason Team, Haas and Stant broke the single-season pair wins record in 2025 and now set their sights on surpassing the all-time pair wins record, currently held by Sara Rishell and Rachel Fairbanks. Their consistent performance and leadership will be crucial to the Blazers’ success.
Haas, in particular, is poised for a record-breaking season. Already the winningest Court 1 player in UAB Beach Volleyball history, she enters her senior year just four wins shy of becoming the program’s all-time wins leader. Her experience and skill will be vital in anchoring the team’s top pairing.
The strength of the UAB team extends beyond Haas, and Stant. A veteran core returns, including Addison Atkins, Lauren Cairo, Olivia Chychrun, and Isabel Day. Sadie Sharpe, Alexa Smith, and Sarah Smith also bring valuable experience to the lineup, providing depth and versatility across all courts. The contributions of these returning players will be essential in maintaining the program’s upward trajectory.
Adding to the team’s depth are newcomers Ashley Torsone, Claudia Stockard, and Amelia Sullivan, who are expected to contribute immediately under the guidance of third-year head coach Delaney Rose. These additions provide Rose with more options and enhance the team’s overall competitiveness.
The arrival of North Alabama transfer Pien Grooters and freshmen Ava Grace Knott, Delaney Rich, and Virginia Voitier further bolsters the roster. Grooters brings collegiate experience, while the freshmen offer fresh talent and potential. These new faces are expected to add size and versatility to the team as they prepare for conference play later in the spring.
The AVCA preseason rankings underscore the challenging road ahead for the Blazers. UCLA tops the poll, followed by Stanford, Cal Poly, USC, and TCU. The fact that Florida State, Long Beach State, Washington, Tulane, LMU, and Stetson – all opponents on UAB’s 2026 schedule – also earned rankings highlights the quality of competition the team will face. Receiving votes in the poll itself is a testament to the program’s progress and potential.
The 2026 season represents a significant opportunity for UAB Beach Volleyball to build on its recent success and establish itself as a national contender. With a strong core of returning players, promising newcomers, and a challenging schedule, the Blazers are well-positioned to make a splash in the collegiate beach volleyball world.
