USC Beach Volleyball Players Named to AVCA Player of the Year Watch List

Zoey Henson and Kennedy Coakley earn spots on inaugural AVCA watch list

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The AVCA has announced its inaugural Player of the Year Watch List, and USC Beach Volleyball has two players who earned a spot on that list: Zoey Henson and Kennedy Coakley. Henson finished last season as an AVCA First Team All-American, while Coakley earned AVCA Second Team All-America honors in her first season with the Trojans.

Why it matters

This recognition highlights the talent and success of USC's beach volleyball program, which continues to produce top-tier players. Being named to the AVCA Player of the Year Watch List is a prestigious honor that showcases Henson and Coakley's individual achievements and the overall strength of the Trojans' roster.

The details

Henson finished last season with a 24-13 record playing in the top spot for USC, and she also earned All-MPSF Second Team honors. Coakley earned a 30-5 record playing primarily in the No. 2 position, and she received the AVCA Top Flight Award for that position while also being named to the AVCA Second Team All-America and the MPSF All-Tournament team.

  • The Trojans will kick off the 2026 season on Thursday, Feb. 19, in Honolulu, Hawai'i, for the Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Beach Classic.

The players

Zoey Henson

A junior on the USC Beach Volleyball team who finished last season as an AVCA First Team All-American with a 24-13 record in the top spot for the Trojans. She also earned All-MPSF Second Team honors and MPSF/Molten Pair of the Week honors.

Kennedy Coakley

A first-year player on the USC Beach Volleyball team who earned a 30-5 record playing primarily in the No. 2 position. She received the AVCA Top Flight Award for the No. 2 position, was named to the AVCA Second Team All-America and the MPSF All-Tournament team, and earned AVCA/CBVB Pair of the Week honors with her partner.

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The takeaway

USC's beach volleyball program continues to develop elite-level talent, with Henson and Coakley earning prestigious recognition on the inaugural AVCA Player of the Year Watch List. This highlights the Trojans' ability to attract and cultivate top players who can compete at the highest level of collegiate beach volleyball.