Four Pairs Receive AVCA Top Flight Award
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman beach volleyball had four pairs earn American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Top Flight Awards for the 2025 season.
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman beach volleyball had four pairs earn American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Top Flight Awards for the 2025 season.
The Top Flight program, now in its seventh year, recognizes beach pairs who compete in at least 15 matches together at a specific flight and win at least 75% of their matches. This year, 88 pairs representing 45 schools—from all three NCAA divisions, NAIA, and two-year colleges—earned Top Flight status.
The Eagles concluded a historic 2025 season at the AVCA Small College Championship Tournament, falling in the semifinal round. However, C-N made history by becoming the first-ever winner of the South Atlantic Conference/Conference Carolinas (SACC) Championship Tournament.
Ava Fountain and Emerson Ahsmuhs held down the two's pair for the majority of the season and finished with a 14-3 record.
"I'm proud of how they worked through offensive battles and found their stride," said head coach Cat Collins. "They were such a fun pair to watch grow and improve throughout the season."
The three's pair, Trinity Hafey and Kylee Oldenburger, came together mid-season but quickly became one of the most dominant duos in the conference.
"This pair grew so much and became one of our most consistent," Collins noted. "They had great chemistry and did a good job staying focused on the bigger picture."
Two-time SACC Pair of the Week winners, Camryn Ehlers and Morgan Foy, earned Top Flight honors for their performance as the Eagles' fours pair. They finished the season with a 20-5 record and were key contributors to the team's success.
"Mo and Cam were consistent all season and grew tremendously," said Collins. "Their success came from a strong offensive presence and high-level ball control."
Addie Smith and Kat Nelson locked down the five's pair for Carson-Newman, finishing with a 14-3 record. Their defining moment came in the final set of the SACC Tournament, where they made a comeback to defeat Tusculum and secure the conference title.
"This pair had some of the best teamwork and chemistry I've ever seen," Collins said. "They played so hard for each other and supported one another no matter the circumstances."
The full AVCA Top Flight list can be found [HERE].
To keep up with Carson-Newman Beach Volleyball, follow the team on social media @CN_Eagles on X and Instagram, or follow Carson-Newman Athletics on Facebook. You can also visit cneagles.com.
