Carson-Newman Beach Volleyball Goes 5-for-5 in AVCA Top Flight Awards
Carson-Newman beach volleyball reached a new program milestone, with every pair earning AVCA Top Flight recognition.
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Carson-Newman beach volleyball went a perfect 5-for-5 in AVCA Top Flight Awards following its performance at the AVCA Small College Tournament.
The Top Flight program, now in its eighth 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, 80 pairs representing 35 schools—from all three NCAA divisions, the NAIA, and two-year colleges—earned Top Flight status.
Find the full AVCA Top Flights List HERE.
Paige Halcrow and Trinity Hafey held down the No. 1 pair for Carson-Newman this season, helping the team remain undefeated in SACC play. At the SACC Tournament, the duo was named to the All-Tournament Team and earned First Team All-Conference honors.
"Paige and Trinity grew so much as a pair," said head coach Cat Collins. "They created great success through their chemistry and the way they supported each other."
The No. 2 pair of Emerson Ahsmuhs and Ava Potts was a dominant force within the SACC and on the national stage. The duo earned First Team All-Conference honors and was named SACC Pair of the Year.
"They can compete against any pair and win," said Collins. "They have a great mindset in competition and balance each other so well."
Addie Smith and Camryn Ehlers were also named Top Flight honorees as the No. 3 pair. The duo earned First Team All-Conference honors and was named Pair of the Week twice during the 2026 season.
"Addie and Camryn were incredibly consistent this season," Collins said. "Their friendship allowed them to communicate well and find a lot of success."
Lucy Bartee and Morgan Foy were selected Second Team All-Conference for their work as the No. 4 pair. The duo shined at the AVCA Small College Tournament and secured a Top Flight award.
"Morgan and Lucy grew so much throughout the season," Collins said. "They have a great competitive mindset that complemented each other and allowed them to compete at such a high level."
Kelcey Peterson and Madison Trondle locked down the No. 5 pair for Carson-Newman this season. The freshman duo burst onto the scene and quickly cemented themselves as one of the top pairs in the nation.
"Kelcey and Madison saw tremendous growth this season," Collins said. "They learned a lot as freshmen and will be key to our success in the years to come. We are so proud of them, especially their incredible showing at nationals."
This marks the first time in Carson-Newman beach volleyball program history that all five pairs have earned AVCA Top Flight honors.
