Beach volleyball is a thrilling and fast-paced sport that has gained immense popularity around the world. Known for its athleticism, strategy, and teamwork, the sport attracts some of the most talented athletes globally. In this article, we rank the 25 best women’s beach volleyball players currently dominating the sand courts. From Olympic champions to FIVB World Tour titleholders, these athletes have made their mark with exceptional skill, resilience, and determination. We’ll take a closer look at their personal and professional journeys, detailing their age, birthplace, teams played for, net worth, and more. Whether you’re a beach volleyball enthusiast or just curious about the stars of this sport, these players are sure to inspire you.
Ágatha Bednarczuk 25 Best Women Beach Volleyball Players in the World
1. April Ross
Date of Birth: June 20, 1982
Age: 42
Place of Birth: Costa Mesa, California, USA
Teams Played For: USA National Team, Partnered with Alix Klineman
Position: Defender
Boyfriend/Husband: Married to Bradley Keenan
Children: No children
Net Worth: Estimated at $3 million
April Ross, one of the most celebrated women’s beach volleyball players, has won multiple Olympic medals and dominated the international scene. She partnered with Alix Klineman to form a formidable team, clinching the gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Known for her defensive skills and powerful serves, Ross has been a staple in the USA Volleyball Team for many years.
2. Kerri Walsh Jennings
Date of Birth: August 15, 1978
Age: 46
Place of Birth: Santa Clara, California, USA
Teams Played For: USA National Team, Partnered with Misty May-Treanor
Position: Blocker
Boyfriend/Husband: Married to Casey Jennings
Children: Three children (Joseph, Sundance, Scout)
Net Worth: Estimated at $6 million
Kerri Walsh Jennings, widely regarded as one of the best women’s beach volleyball players of all time, holds three Olympic gold medals and one bronze. Her long-standing partnership with Misty May-Treanor led to an unprecedented run in Olympic beach volleyball. Walsh Jennings’ exceptional blocking ability and tall frame made her a dominant force on the sand.
3. Alix Klineman
Date of Birth: December 30, 1989
Age: 34
Place of Birth: Manhattan Beach, California, USA
Teams Played For: USA National Team, Partnered with April Ross
Position: Blocker
Boyfriend/Husband: Engaged to Teddy Purcell
Children: No children
Net Worth: Estimated at $1.5 million
Alix Klineman, a former indoor volleyball star, transitioned to beach volleyball and found success quickly, partnering with April Ross. Together, they clinched the Tokyo 2020 Olympic gold medal. Klineman’s blocking and height are key attributes that have made her a dominant figure in the sport.
4. Misty May-Treanor
Date of Birth: July 30, 1977
Age: 47
Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, USA
Teams Played For: USA National Team, Partnered with Kerri Walsh Jennings
Position: Defender
Boyfriend/Husband: Married to Matt Treanor
Children: Three children (Malia, Mia, Mele)
Net Worth: Estimated at $5 million
Misty May-Treanor is a legend in women’s beach volleyball, best known for her partnership with Kerri Walsh Jennings. Together, they won three consecutive Olympic gold medals, dominating the sport for over a decade. Misty is famous for her defensive prowess, quick reflexes, and agility on the sand.
5. Larissa França
Date of Birth: April 14, 1982
Age: 42
Place of Birth: Cachoeiro de Itapemirim, Brazil
Teams Played For: Brazil National Team, Partnered with Talita Antunes
Position: Defender
Boyfriend/Husband: Married to Liliane Maestrini
Children: One child (Gabriel)
Net Worth: Estimated at $1.2 million
Larissa França, hailing from Brazil, is one of the most decorated women’s beach volleyball players globally. She has achieved numerous international titles and Olympic medals with different partners, including Talita Antunes. Known for her agility and smart play, Larissa has consistently been a top player in FIVB beach volleyball tournaments.
6. Talita Antunes
Date of Birth: August 29, 1982
Age: 42
Place of Birth: Aquidauana, Brazil
Teams Played For: Brazil National Team, Partnered with Larissa França, Taiana Lima
Position: Blocker
Boyfriend/Husband: Married to Renato Santos
Children: One child (Bento)
Net Worth: Estimated at $1.5 million
Talita Antunes is a dominant figure in women’s beach volleyball, consistently ranking as one of the top players globally. Known for her powerful blocks and strategic play, she has partnered with the likes of Larissa França and Taiana Lima. Talita has represented Brazil in multiple Olympic beach volleyball events and has earned several FIVB World Tour titles.
7. Sara Hughes
Date of Birth: February 14, 1995
Age: 29
Place of Birth: Costa Mesa, California, USA
Teams Played For: USA National Team, Partnered with Kelly Cheng
Position: Defender
Boyfriend/Husband: Engaged to Nick Castellanos
Children: No children
Net Worth: Estimated at $800,000
Sara Hughes is an emerging star in women’s beach volleyball, known for her impressive defensive skills. She has formed a formidable partnership with Kelly Cheng, and together they have been making waves in international competitions, including the FIVB World Tour. Her quick reflexes and solid backcourt defense make her a rising talent to watch.
8. Kelly Cheng (Claes)
Date of Birth: September 18, 1995
Age: 29
Place of Birth: Placentia, California, USA
Teams Played For: USA National Team, Partnered with Sara Hughes
Position: Blocker
Boyfriend/Husband: Married to Jordan Cheng
Children: No children
Net Worth: Estimated at $900,000
Kelly Cheng, formerly known as Kelly Claes, is known for her height and excellent blocking ability in women’s beach volleyball. A key partner to Sara Hughes, Kelly has quickly risen in the ranks of beach volleyball with her aggressive play at the net. Together, the duo has been successful in numerous FIVB events, pushing their team toward international recognition.
9. Barbara Seixas
Date of Birth: March 8, 1987
Age: 37
Place of Birth: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Teams Played For: Brazil National Team, Partnered with Ágatha Bednarczuk
Position: Defender
Boyfriend/Husband: No publicly known relationship
Children: No children
Net Worth: Estimated at $1 million
Barbara Seixas is a well-known name in women’s beach volleyball, having won several titles, including an Olympic silver medal with Ágatha Bednarczuk at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Her ability to cover the court and deliver precise digs has made her one of Brazil’s top defenders.
10. Ágatha Bednarczuk
Date of Birth: June 22, 1983
Age: 41
Place of Birth: Curitiba, Brazil
Teams Played For: Brazil National Team, Partnered with Barbara Seixas, Duda
Position: Blocker
Boyfriend/Husband: Married to Renan Bednarczuk
Children: No children
Net Worth: Estimated at $1.2 million
Ágatha Bednarczuk has been a dominant blocker on the Brazil National Beach Volleyball Team, earning international recognition for her teamwork with Barbara Seixas and Duda. She won a silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics and continues to be a powerful presence at the net, using her height and blocking expertise.
11. Duda (Eduarda Santos Lisboa)
Date of Birth: August 1, 1998
Age: 26
Place of Birth: São Cristóvão, Brazil
Teams Played For: Brazil National Team, Partnered with Ágatha Bednarczuk, Ana Patricia Ramos
Position: Blocker/Defender
Boyfriend/Husband: No publicly known relationship
Children: No children
Net Worth: Estimated at $800,000
Duda is one of the youngest rising stars in women’s beach volleyball, known for her versatility as both a blocker and defender. She has already achieved numerous FIVB World Tour victories and has partnered with Ágatha Bednarczuk and Ana Patricia Ramos. Her speed, agility, and ability to adapt to various positions make her a standout athlete.
12. Ana Patricia Ramos
Date of Birth: September 29, 1997
Age: 27
Place of Birth: Espinosa, Brazil
Teams Played For: Brazil National Team, Partnered with Duda
Position: Blocker
Boyfriend/Husband: No publicly known relationship
Children: No children
Net Worth: Estimated at $700,000
Ana Patricia Ramos has rapidly risen in the ranks of beach volleyball, known for her exceptional blocking skills. She has formed a successful partnership with Duda, and the pair has become one of the strongest teams on the international circuit. At 6’4”, Ana Patricia is a towering presence at the net and has proven to be a key player for Brazil.
13. Taliqua Clancy
Date of Birth: June 25, 1992
Age: 32
Place of Birth: Kingaroy, Australia
Teams Played For: Australia National Team, Partnered with Mariafe Artacho del Solar
Position: Defender
Boyfriend/Husband: No publicly known relationship
Children: No children
Net Worth: Estimated at $1 million
Taliqua Clancy is one of Australia’s top women’s beach volleyball players, known for her excellent defensive skills and fast footwork. She won a silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics alongside Mariafe Artacho del Solar, making history as the first Indigenous Australian to win a beach volleyball Olympic medal.
14. Mariafe Artacho del Solar
Date of Birth: October 24, 1993
Age: 30
Place of Birth: Lima, Peru
Teams Played For: Australia National Team, Partnered with Taliqua Clancy
Position: Blocker
Boyfriend/Husband: Married to Jack Curtin
Children: No children
Net Worth: Estimated at $900,000
Mariafe Artacho del Solar, originally from Peru, has become one of the top beach volleyball players for Australia. Her partnership with Taliqua Clancy has earned them multiple titles, including a silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Mariafe’s powerful attacks and impressive blocking skills make her a key player in the international volleyball scene.
15. Joana Heidrich
Date of Birth: October 2, 1991
Age: 33
Place of Birth: Zürich, Switzerland
Teams Played For: Switzerland National Team, Partnered with Anouk Vergé-Dépré
Position: Blocker
Boyfriend/Husband: No publicly known relationship
Children: No children
Net Worth: Estimated at $1 million
Joana Heidrich is a powerful force in women’s beach volleyball, known for her height and blocking ability. She has found success partnering with Anouk Vergé-Dépré, with the duo consistently placing in top positions in FIVB World Tour events. Heidrich’s solid defense and net play make her a standout player for Switzerland.
16. Anouk Vergé-Dépré
Date of Birth: February 11, 1992
Age: 32
Place of Birth: Bern, Switzerland
Teams Played For: Switzerland National Team, Partnered with Joana Heidrich
Position: Defender
Boyfriend/Husband: Married to Marco Krattiger
Children: No children
Net Worth: Estimated at $900,000
Anouk Vergé-Dépré is one of Switzerland’s top beach volleyball players, excelling as a defender alongside Joana Heidrich. The pair has won numerous titles on the international stage, including multiple podium finishes in FIVB events. Known for her quick reactions and smart play, Anouk is a key player for Switzerland.
17. Tina Graudina
Date of Birth: August 9, 1998
Age: 26
Place of Birth: Riga, Latvia
Teams Played For: Latvia National Team, Partnered with Anastasija Kravčenoka
Position: Blocker
Boyfriend/Husband: No publicly known relationship
Children: No children
Net Worth: Estimated at $700,000
Tina Graudina has been making waves in the world of women’s beach volleyball, representing Latvia in several international competitions. Partnered with Anastasija Kravčenoka, the pair became the first Latvian women’s team to qualify for the Olympics. Graudina’s height and athletic ability make her a formidable blocker on the sand.
18. Anastasija Kravčenoka
Date of Birth: January 19, 1997
Age: 27
Place of Birth: Daugavpils, Latvia
Teams Played For: Latvia National Team, Partnered with Tina Graudina
Position: Defender
Boyfriend/Husband: No publicly known relationship
Children: No children
Net Worth: Estimated at $600,000
Anastasija Kravčenoka has quickly risen in the ranks of beach volleyball, representing Latvia alongside Tina Graudina. The duo has achieved significant success in FIVB World Tour events and became the first Latvian women’s team to qualify for the Olympics. Known for her agility and strong defensive play, Kravčenoka is a top competitor.
19. Melissa Humana-Paredes
Date of Birth: October 10, 1992
Age: 32
Place of Birth: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Teams Played For: Canada National Team, Partnered with Sarah Pavan
Position: Defender
Boyfriend/Husband: Engaged to Shane Gotshall
Children: No children
Net Worth: Estimated at $1.5 million
Melissa Humana-Paredes is a key player for Canada in women’s beach volleyball, known for her impeccable defense and smooth court coverage. She partnered with Sarah Pavan to win the 2019 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships and earned numerous other international titles. Humana-Paredes is recognized for her agility and quick decision-making on the court.
20. Sarah Pavan
Date of Birth: August 16, 1986
Age: 38
Place of Birth: Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
Teams Played For: Canada National Team, Partnered with Melissa Humana-Paredes
Position: Blocker
Boyfriend/Husband: Married to Adam Schulz
Children: No children
Net Worth: Estimated at $1.7 million
Sarah Pavan is one of the tallest and most dominant blockers in women’s beach volleyball. Standing at 6’5″, she is known for her powerful blocks and spikes. Partnering with Melissa Humana-Paredes, Pavan has led Canada to major victories, including the 2019 World Championships. Her height and strength make her a critical player for Team Canada.
21. Kristyna Kolocova
Date of Birth: April 1, 1988
Age: 36
Place of Birth: Nymburk, Czech Republic
Teams Played For: Czech Republic National Team, Partnered with Markéta Sluková
Position: Defender
Boyfriend/Husband: No publicly known relationship
Children: No children
Net Worth: Estimated at $900,000
Kristyna Kolocova has been a major figure in Czech beach volleyball, known for her defensive abilities and tactical gameplay. She partnered with Markéta Sluková and represented the Czech Republic at the 2012 London Olympics. Kolocova’s consistency and strong backcourt play have helped her team achieve international success.
22. Markéta Sluková
Date of Birth: June 28, 1988
Age: 36
Place of Birth: Prague, Czech Republic
Teams Played For: Czech Republic National Team, Partnered with Kristyna Kolocova
Position: Blocker
Boyfriend/Husband: Married to Simon Nausch
Children: One child
Net Worth: Estimated at $1 million
Markéta Sluková, also known as “Maki,” is a top Czech beach volleyball player, best known for her partnership with Kristyna Kolocova. Sluková has represented her country in numerous international competitions, including the Olympics, and has garnered several top finishes in FIVB events. Her height and blocking skills make her a standout player.
23. Heather Bansley
Date of Birth: September 13, 1987
Age: 37
Place of Birth: London, Ontario, Canada
Teams Played For: Canada National Team, Partnered with Brandie Wilkerson
Position: Defender
Boyfriend/Husband: No publicly known relationship
Children: No children
Net Worth: Estimated at $800,000
Heather Bansley has been a prominent figure in Canada’s beach volleyball scene for years, excelling as a defender with strong court coverage and a strategic approach to the game. She has partnered with Brandie Wilkerson and represented Canada in major international tournaments, including the Olympics and the FIVB World Tour.
24. Brandie Wilkerson
Date of Birth: July 1, 1992
Age: 32
Place of Birth: Lausanne, Switzerland
Teams Played For: Canada National Team, Partnered with Heather Bansley
Position: Blocker
Boyfriend/Husband: No publicly known relationship
Children: No children
Net Worth: Estimated at $900,000
Brandie Wilkerson is one of the top blockers in women’s beach volleyball, known for her dynamic play and excellent net defense. She has partnered with Heather Bansley, and together they have been a competitive team on the FIVB World Tour. Wilkerson’s athleticism and ability to control the net have earned her recognition in the volleyball community.
25. Cinja Tillmann
Date of Birth: July 13, 1991
Age: 33
Place of Birth: Münster, Germany
Teams Played For: Germany National Team, Partnered with Svenja Müller
Position: Defender
Boyfriend/Husband: No publicly known relationship
Children: No children
Net Worth: Estimated at $600,000
Cinja Tillmann has emerged as a strong player in Germany’s beach volleyball scene, known for her solid defensive skills and sharp court awareness. Partnering with Svenja Müller, Tillmann has found success on the international stage, earning podium finishes in FIVB events. Her consistency and strategic gameplay make her a rising star in the sport.
Beach volleyball continues to grow as a global sport, and these 25 best women beach volleyball players represent the pinnacle of talent, dedication, and success in the game. Each of these athletes has not only excelled on the court but also inspired fans with their unique personal stories and achievements. From the dynamic defensive plays of April Ross and Kerri Walsh Jennings to the powerful net presence of Ana Patricia Ramos and Sarah Pavan, these women have set the standard in beach volleyball. As the sport continues to evolve, we can only expect even greater accomplishments from these elite players. Stay tuned to witness the next wave of legendary moments in women’s beach volleyball!
