University Southern California Trojans
Gustavo Rocha Named USAV Beach U18 National Team Head Coach
May 14, 2026 | Women's Beach Volleyball
The Trojans’ associate head coach will lead the USAV Beach U18 squad during the NTDP Spring Training Series
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – USC beach volleyball associate head coach Gustavo Rocha was named head coach of the USAV Beach U18 National Team, USA Volleyball announced on Monday, May 11.
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Rocha and assistant coach Brooke Niles (Florida State) will serve as coaches for the girls' Beach U18 squad. In total, more than 100 athletes will converge on Manhattan Beach, Calif., for the 2026 Beach NTDP Spring Training Series set for May 14-17.
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The Spring Training Series will deliver unprecedented coaching excellence, making it an exceptional opportunity for athletes to learn from some of the nation's most prestigious coaches. The Girls U18 National Team training block will take place alongside the Spring Training Series, while the Boys U18 National Team will train later in June.
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The Women of Troy (29-12) made their 10th consecutive appearance in the NCAA tournament in 2026 and reached the quarterfinal round before falling to Florida State. USC finished tied for third in the MPSF with a semifinal finish at the conference championship. Two Trojans—junior Zoey Henson and sophomore Kennedy Coakley—were named to the AVCA All-America second team and were joined by junior Ashley Pater and freshman Sarah Wood on the All-MPSF first team. Wood was named the MPSF's Freshman of the Year. Seventh-year head coach Dain Blanton reached 198 career wins at the close of the season.
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For more information on the USC beach volleyball team, a complete schedule, and results, please visit USCTrojans.com/beach. Fans of the Women of Troy can follow the team on Instagram and on X @USCBeach.
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Rocha and assistant coach Brooke Niles (Florida State) will serve as coaches for the girls' Beach U18 squad. In total, more than 100 athletes will converge on Manhattan Beach, Calif., for the 2026 Beach NTDP Spring Training Series set for May 14-17.
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The Spring Training Series will deliver unprecedented coaching excellence, making it an exceptional opportunity for athletes to learn from some of the nation's most prestigious coaches. The Girls U18 National Team training block will take place alongside the Spring Training Series, while the Boys U18 National Team will train later in June.
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The Women of Troy (29-12) made their 10th consecutive appearance in the NCAA tournament in 2026 and reached the quarterfinal round before falling to Florida State. USC finished tied for third in the MPSF with a semifinal finish at the conference championship. Two Trojans—junior Zoey Henson and sophomore Kennedy Coakley—were named to the AVCA All-America second team and were joined by junior Ashley Pater and freshman Sarah Wood on the All-MPSF first team. Wood was named the MPSF's Freshman of the Year. Seventh-year head coach Dain Blanton reached 198 career wins at the close of the season.
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For more information on the USC beach volleyball team, a complete schedule, and results, please visit USCTrojans.com/beach. Fans of the Women of Troy can follow the team on Instagram and on X @USCBeach.
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Players Mentioned
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