Along with Kelly Cheng, Sara Hughes has been dominating the world of beach volleyball for the last couple of years. However, when the duo faced off against Italy’s Marta Menegatti and  Valentina Gottardi in Paris, there was a hint of doubt in the air. For the hot favourites to win the gold, the third seed team lost the second set 21-17 after winning the first set 21-18. With the match hung in balance, the likes of Tom Brady were seen as significantly worried in the stands. 

Pumping up the blood pressure of numerous other US fans, Italy, at one point was 8-8 in the third set. But fortunately, it was at this moment that the champions’ spirits inside Sarah Hughes and Kelly Cheng decided to wake up. Putting up a stellar show, the US team won the third set 15-12 to propel the US to the next round. Well, with such a huge amount of popularity and fame dawning on Sara Hughes, curious fans are trying to find out the nitty gritty about the beach volleyball sensation. Well, look no further. Here’s everything you need to know about Sarah Hughes. 

Everything about Sara Hughes’ family 

Sara Hughes was born in Long Island, California. Her mother Laura Hughes was a former volleyball player herself and her father, Rory Hughes, took a keen interest in the inclination of his wards. As a result, Sara’s two older siblings, Connor and Lauren Hughes, were established volleyball players. While both her siblings played for their respective college teams, it was Connor who had more success initially. Sara’s brother represented the UC Irvine Anteaters and also won a couple of NCAA men’s volleyball championships. 

Growing up in a favorable environment towards sports, little Sara used to accompany her siblings to their practice. It was here that one of the parents noticed Sara’s talents and was registered for training under Bill Lovelace. Impressed by Sarah’s talent, Lovelace heaped praises on the eight-year-old saying that Sarah had the best ball control in her age group. This further ignited the zeal to succeed in the sport for Sarah and she continued with Lovelace for the next 7 years. She then chose the guidance of Jose Loiola in 2016. The pair still continue to work wonders at the international level. 

After playing under the Amateur Athletic Union and the California Beach Volleyball Association, Sarah joined the University of South Carolina in 2013-14. She immediately had an impact as partnering with Kelly Cheng, Sara Hughes won her maiden NCAA championship in 2016 for the USC Trojans. And since then, it was only an ascending path for Sara. 

Sara’s quest on the staircase of success

Sara Hughes became a pro in 2017 and by that time, Sara already had two bronze medals at the U19 and the U21 World Championships. She also had an immaculate partnership with Cheng to win 103 NCAA games at a stretch. During this phase, the pair also guided the USC Trojans to their second consecutive NCAA title in 2017. Sara Hughes also holds the honor of featuring in the youngest team to win an AVP event. 

Continuing her golden journey, the American beach volleyball sensation has won 8 World Tour gold medals. She also has gold medals in the World Tour finals, and the World Championships in 2023. Currently ranked number 2 in the world, Sarah Hughes would be looking to go one up by winning the gold medal in Paris. Thus, with the future path looking bright for 29-year-old Sarah Hughes, Paris might well be the beginning of a new chapter in the beach volleyball phenom’s career.