The American beach volleyball landscape just got significantly more interesting. Kelly Cheng, one of the most decorated players in U.S. history, has officially teamed up with Megan Kraft, the sport's most exciting young talent, in a partnership that has Los Angeles 2028 written all over it.

The announcement, confirmed by USA Volleyball on January 8, pairs a proven champion with a player whose meteoric rise has captivated the beach volleyball world. At 30 years old, Cheng brings the kind of resume that commands respect: two Olympic appearances, a World Championship title, and four NCAA national championships during her stellar collegiate career at USC. Kraft, just 23, has already established herself as a force to be reckoned with, earning both the 2024 Beach Pro Tour Rookie of the Year and the 2024 AVCA Collegiate Beach Player of the Year honors.

The Trojan connection runs deep in this partnership. Both players honed their skills on the sand courts of the University of Southern California, a program that has become a factory for elite beach volleyball talent. Their shared collegiate background suggests an immediate foundation of understanding when it comes to training philosophy, competitive mentality, and the pursuit of excellence.

Guiding this new duo will be Jordan Cheng as head coach, with Mike Placek serving as assistant coach. The coaching staff will be tasked with blending Cheng's championship experience with Kraft's explosive potential, a combination that could prove formidable on the international stage.

For Kelly Cheng, this partnership represents the next chapter in an already illustrious career. Having competed at the highest levels of the sport, she understands what it takes to medal at major international competitions. Her experience navigating the pressure of Olympic competition will be invaluable as the team builds toward LA 2028.

Megan Kraft's inclusion in this elite partnership validates the remarkable trajectory she has charted in such a short time. Earning Rookie of the Year honors on the Beach Pro Tour is no small feat, requiring consistent performances against the world's best throughout an entire season. Her selection as the AVCA Collegiate Beach Player of the Year further underscores her status as the premier young talent in American beach volleyball.

The timing of this partnership is strategic. With approximately two and a half years until the Los Angeles Olympics, Cheng and Kraft have ample opportunity to develop their chemistry, compete in major international events, and secure the ranking points necessary to qualify for the Games. The qualification process for beach volleyball is rigorous, but this team appears to have the pedigree and support structure to navigate it successfully.

The prospect of competing for Olympic gold on home sand adds another layer of motivation to this partnership. Los Angeles will host the 2028 Summer Olympics, and the beach volleyball venue is expected to draw massive crowds of passionate American fans. For Cheng, it would be a chance to add Olympic hardware to her already impressive collection of achievements. For Kraft, it represents an opportunity to announce herself on the grandest stage in sports.

As the beach volleyball world watches this partnership take shape, one thing is certain: Cheng and Kraft have positioned themselves as serious contenders for LA 2028. The combination of veteran savvy and youthful energy, united by a shared Trojan heritage, makes this a team worth following closely in the seasons ahead.