Two Friends, One Dream
If someone had told us freshman year at UCLA that we'd be traveling the world together, competing professionally on the international beach volleyball circuit, we probably wouldn't have believed them.
Back then, we were just two young athletes figuring out college life, excited to be part of a storied UCLA program.
We knew of each other from youth competitions but weren't particularly close yet.
College changed that completely.
It's funny, looking back now.
There was a moment during our freshman year, in a hotel room after a tough match, when we both realized how similar we really were.
Everything aligned perfectly, from our personalities and interests to our passion for volleyball.
That's when we knew we had something special.
Leaving the Structure Behind
Moving from UCLA's structured environment to professional volleyball was like stepping into the unknown.
For six years, we lived in a world of scheduled 6 a.m. weights, organized practices, trainers, coaches, and constant guidance.
Then, suddenly, it was gone.
Now, it's just the two of us, waking up on Sundays and asking, "What's our week going to look like?"
We're our own coaches, trainers, nutritionists, and organizers.
Navigating this new chapter has tested us—but it's also been incredibly rewarding.
Every day, we show up and build from scratch—routines, support systems, travel logistics, all of it.
Each challenge we face together deepens our trust and shows us just how much we're willing to invest in our dreams.
Winning Together
The start of our first international season has been unforgettable.
Winning gold in New Zealand felt surreal—it was our first big international victory.
Standing on that podium, we realized we weren't just "figuring it out" anymore.
We were legitimate contenders.
We belonged.
Then, after battling illness and uncertainty, we followed it up with bronze in Mexico at the Yucatán Challenge.
These moments weren't just victories but proof of what trust, belief, and resilience could achieve.
Every medal has been earned through sweat, laughter, tough conversations, and endless support.
More Than Partners
In beach volleyball, partnerships come and go all the time.
But from the beginning, we knew our connection was different.
We’re best friends first.
And that’s rare in this sport.
We’ve had some of our deepest conversations in hotel rooms after tough losses and some of our biggest laughs over airport delays and tournament chaos.
We know exactly what the other needs—whether it’s space, a pep talk, or just a snack and a nap.
Our families have become one big extended support system, and that love extends to every corner of our careers.
The wins feel better because we share them.
The losses hurt less because we carry them together.
Our bond is the reason we thrive on and off the court.
Beyond the Sand: Her Playbook
We started the Her Playbook podcast as a way to give back.
We both had moments growing up where we felt like we didn’t quite fit the mold of the “perfect athlete".
Through the podcast, we want to show the full picture of what it means to be a woman in sports—the highs, the challenges, the pressure, the joy.
We share our stories, and we invite others to do the same.
It’s honest, unfiltered, and full of heart.
Most of all, it’s about helping the next generation feel seen. Because if there's one thing we’ve learned, it’s that strength comes from vulnerability.
Looking Ahead
Our goals are big: qualify for the AVP League, break into Elite 16 tournaments, and keep proving we belong at the highest level of international beach volleyball.
But more than that, we want to keep enjoying this ride—together.
Some days are chaotic, some are exhausting.
But every single one is a chance to grow, to compete, and to do what we love with the person we trust most.
We know we’re building something special—and we’re just getting started.
Gratitude
To our families, coaches, friends, and every fan who’s cheered us on: thank you.
Your support fuels us.
And to the young athletes reading this—keep going.
Keep believing.
Chase your dreams with someone who believes in you just as much as you believe in them.
Because in the end, it’s not just about volleyball.
It’s about who you share the journey with.
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📷 Devon Newberry, Jaden Whitmarsh and UCLA Athletics
