The Sand Devils' New Era: 5 Reasons ASU Beach Volleyball Is Dominating The Big 12 In 2025
Arizona State University (ASU) Beach Volleyball is no longer a quiet contender; the Sand Devils have officially ushered in a new, high-stakes era, marked by a historic conference move and unprecedented success. As of the current date in December 2025, the program is riding a massive wave of momentum that began with a record-breaking 2024 season and has accelerated into their inaugural Big 12 campaign. This deep dive reveals the key players, the coaching genius, and the major conference shift that has placed ASU firmly on the national map.
The transition from the storied Pac-12 to the newly formed Big 12 beach volleyball league is the single biggest storyline for the Sun Devils, fundamentally altering their travel, rivalries, and championship pathway. With a strong 2025 season record already secured, the team is proving that their success is not a fluke, but the result of a cohesive, championship-driven program built on the foundation laid by Head Coach Kristen Glattfelder.
The Architects of Success: 2025 Roster and Coaching Staff
The strength of the ASU Beach Volleyball program lies in its blend of veteran talent, new recruits, and a coaching staff that has proven its ability to develop elite pairs and foster a winning culture. The 2025 season saw the team compile an impressive 22-14 final record, securing a second-place finish at the Big 12 Tournament.
The 2025 Roster's Core Entities
The team’s success is a product of deep roster talent, providing Head Coach Glattfelder with the flexibility to create powerful pairings across all five courts. Key players and entities for the 2025 season include:
- Zoë Taylor (#0, Plantation, Fla.)
- Anya Pemberton (#1, Kelowna, BC, Canada)
- Lillie Seymour (#2, Ocean, NC)
- Carys Thomas (#3, Southlake, Texas)
- Annalyse Askew (#4)
- Elsa Snipes (Key Contributor)
- Kendall Whitmarsh (Played in every dual, went 20-14 across courts 3, 4, and 5)
- Tori Clement (Primary partner for Whitmarsh)
- Ava Anderson (Placed in the top half of the AVCA National Pairs Tournament for the second consecutive season)
- Addison Wolden (Anderson's long-standing partner in the AVCA National Pairs Tournament)
- Zoey Burgess (Newcomer/Transfer, Sophomore Middle Blocker)
- Faith Frame (Newcomer/Transfer, Sophomore Libero)
- Sydney Henry (Newcomer/Transfer, Senior Setter)
- Ella Lomigora (Newcomer/Transfer, Junior Middle Blocker)
The Elite Coaching Staff
The program is led by a dynamic and highly decorated coaching staff, providing the structural authority for the team's rise.
- Kristen Glattfelder (Head Coach): Glattfelder was named the 2024 Pac-12 Coach of the Year in her first season at ASU after leading the team to its most successful season in program history with a 21-10 record. Her success continued into 2025, where she was honored with ASU's prestigious Wings of Gold: Linda award.
- Paul Araiza (Assistant Coach)
- Abbie Hughes (Assistant Coach)
The Big 12 Beach Volleyball Transition: A Game Changer
The move to the Big 12 Conference for the 2024-2025 academic year is the most significant development for the Sun Devils. This transition shifts the team's competitive landscape and introduces a new set of rivals, many of whom are located further away than their traditional Pac-12 opponents in Southern California.
A New Conference Landscape
The Big 12 Conference officially added beach volleyball, bringing Arizona State into a new competitive fold. This move is not just a change of name; it’s a re-alignment of the program’s identity and a new challenge for the team's travel logistics and competitive focus. The new Big 12 beach volleyball league includes:
- Arizona State University (ASU)
- University of Arizona
- TCU (Texas Christian University)
- Boise State
- Florida State
- South Carolina
The addition of powerhouse programs like Florida State and TCU immediately elevates the level of competition within the conference, requiring the Sun Devils to maintain their elite performance level. The Big 12 transition is a clear signal that the ASU athletic department is investing heavily in the continued growth and national relevance of the beach volleyball program.
3 Shocking Achievements That Define the New Era
The current success of the ASU beach volleyball program is built on a series of historic firsts and impressive statistical achievements, demonstrating the team's topical authority in the sport.
1. Pac-12 Coach of the Year in Year One
Head Coach Kristen Glattfelder's immediate impact is perhaps the most defining factor in the program's turnaround. In her first season at the helm in 2024, she led the team to a 21-10 record, which earned her the prestigious Pac-12 Coach of the Year award. This honor is a monumental testament to her ability to rapidly transform a program and maximize player potential, setting the stage for the successful 2025 transition.
2. Consistent National Pairs Performance
The duo of Ava Anderson and Addison Wolden has provided consistent national recognition for the program. For the second consecutive season, the pair placed in the top half of the AVCA National Pairs Tournament, showcasing their elite-level talent and ability to compete with the best in the country outside of team duals. Their performance highlights the individual skill development happening within the Sun Devil program.
3. Facing a Championship-Caliber Schedule
The 2025 schedule was intentionally rigorous, designed to prepare the team for the heightened level of Big 12 play and a potential NCAA Tournament berth. The Sand Devils scheduled matches against 11 of the 15 teams that competed in the 2024 NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship. This commitment to challenging competition, including early-season matches against national contenders like UCLA (a 1-4 loss) and a strong 5-0 win against Hawaii, demonstrates their focus on championship-level preparation.
The Arizona State University Beach Volleyball team is clearly on an upward trajectory. The combination of a proven, award-winning coach, a deep roster of talented athletes, and the high-profile move to the Big 12 Conference ensures that the Sand Devils will remain a major topic of discussion in collegiate beach volleyball for years to come. Fans and analysts alike are eagerly watching to see how this new era of dominance unfolds on the sand.
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