Megan Kraft joined San Diego beach volleyball as the program's inaugural Director of Player Development in March 2025.
Kraft will support the holistic growth of USD beach volleyball student-athletes through leadership programming, mental performance systems, culture-building efforts, and personal development initiatives.
A San Diego native and Torrey Pines High School graduate, Kraft arrives at Alcalá Park following one of the most decorated collegiate careers in beach volleyball history. At USC, she won four NCAA National Championships, earned multiple All-America honors, and was named the 2024 AVCA Collegiate Beach Volleyball Player of the Year. She was also recognized as the 2021 AVCA Freshman of the Year and was a three-time Pac-12 Pair of the Year.
Kraft has also emerged as a rising talent in professional beach volleyball. She qualified for her first AVP main draw at age 16 and won the 2021 U19 Beach Volleyball World Championship alongside Delaynie Maple. Since turning professional, she has recorded multiple podium finishes on the international Beach Pro Tour and was named the 2024 FIVB Rookie of the Year. Kraft currently competes on the AVP and FIVB tours and is a member of the United States Beach National Team as she pursues a berth in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
"We are thrilled to welcome Megan Kraft to our program," said Derek Olson, San Diego beach volleyball head coach. "Megan's addition represents a transformational moment for our student-athletes and our entire program. Widely regarded as one of the greatest collegiate beach volleyball players of all time, she distinguished herself with four national championships and a career defined by excellence, competitiveness, and leadership. Beyond her remarkable achievements on the court, she is an exceptional person whose character and professionalism set the standard for what it means to represent a program at the highest level.
"Megan embodies what it means to be a true professional, both on and off the sand. She is currently pursuing her Olympic dream with her sights set on medaling at LA 2028 while already building an impressive international résumé. Megan understands what it takes to lead elite teams, compete for championships, and sustain excellence. With Megan and Jaden on staff, our student-athletes will be mentored by two of the very best role models in the sport.
"Her addition completes what we believe is one of the premier coaching staffs in the world at any level of beach volleyball."
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