The standard of excellence for beach volleyball in the Sun Belt Conference remains firmly planted in Atlanta.
Georgia State University has once again claimed the top spot in the preseason rankings. This announcement came Monday following a vote by the league’s eight head coaches. The expectations are high for the Sandy Panthers as they head into the 2026 season.
Being named the preseason favorite is nothing new for this storied program. This marks the fourth consecutive year that Georgia State has earned the number one ranking in the Sun Belt preseason coaches poll.
The dynasty continues to grow under steady leadership and a culture of winning. The rest of the conference will be chasing the Panthers yet again when the first serve goes up this month.
A Decade of Dominance in the Sand
The consistency of the Georgia State program is unmatched in the league. The team has built a reputation for peaking at the right time and handling the pressure of being the target.
Head coach Beth Van Fleet is the architect behind this sustained success.
She enters her 14th year with the program and her 13th season leading the charge as head coach. Her resume speaks for itself. Van Fleet has guided the program through various conference realignments and consistently kept them on the national stage.
During her tenure, Van Fleet has amassed an impressive 256 career victories.
This number places her among the elite coaches in collegiate beach volleyball. Her leadership has resulted in three consecutive Sun Belt Conference Championships. The team has also made four straight appearances at the NCAA Championship.
The coaches around the league clearly respect what is happening in Atlanta.
The program has established a culture where winning is the expectation rather than the exception.
Returning Talent Ready to Defend the Crown
A major reason for the high ranking is the sheer amount of talent returning to the roster.
The 2026 squad features a strong core of veterans who know what it takes to win championships. Georgia State brings back 10 student-athletes from the successful 2025 team. These players have experienced the pressure of NCAA tournament games and conference finals.
Experience is the most valuable asset in collegiate beach volleyball.
The returning group covers every position and skill set needed to dominate.
Key Returning Players:
- Kate Phelan
- Kealy Dirner
- Savannah Barb
- Kaebre Sullivan
- Ellie Neville
- Danica Singleton
- Ella Mozeleski
- Michaela Jefferson
- Kaylie Drysdale
- Nolan Nuez
Having this many returners provides stability. It allows the coaching staff to focus on refining skills rather than teaching the basics of the system.
The chemistry between partners is often the deciding factor in close matches. With 10 players who have trained together for years, the Sandy Panthers have a distinct advantage over younger teams in the Sun Belt.
New Faces and a Legend Returns
While the veteran core provides stability, the program is also looking to the future.
The Panthers have welcomed a talented group of newcomers to the 2026 roster. These athletes were recruited to maintain the high standard set by the classes before them.
The new additions include Bella Compean, Kate Cunningham, Taryn Dickey, Adeline Thompson, and Bella Troncale.
Fresh energy is vital for a team coming off multiple championship runs. These younger players push the veterans in practice and ensure the competitive fire remains hot.
However, the most exciting addition might not be a player at all.
Former Georgia State standout Bella Ferary has returned to Atlanta as an assistant coach.
This is a massive win for the program. Ferary knows exactly what it means to be a Sandy Panther. She played at the highest level and understands the demands of the system.
| Bella Ferary Fast Facts |
|---|
| Role: Assistant Coach |
| History: Former GSU Standout Player |
| Impact: Brings elite playing experience to the staff |
| Focus: Player development and game strategy |
Her return bridges the gap between the players and the coaching staff. She can relate to the student-athletes on a personal level while commanding the respect due to a program legend. Bringing her back adds an emotional layer to the season that could drive the team to new heights.
A Grueling Test to Start the Season
The team will not have to wait long to see where they stand against the best in the nation.
Georgia State opens the 2026 season with a difficult road trip. The Panthers are heading to Tallahassee for the FSU Unconquered Invitational. This tournament is hosted by Florida State, a perennial powerhouse in the sport.
The schedule was designed to test the team immediately.
There are no easy warm-up games for this group. Coach Van Fleet believes in playing the best competition early to prepare for the postseason.
Opening Weekend Opponents:
- Florida State: The hosts and national title contenders.
- North Alabama: An emerging program looking for an upset.
- UAB: A familiar regional foe.
- Southeastern Louisiana: A team known for gritty play.
- California State-Bakersfield: A West Coast team bringing a different style.
Facing Florida State on their home sand is arguably the toughest challenge in college beach volleyball.
It forces the Panthers to be sharp from the very first point. If there are any weaknesses in the lineup, they will be exposed in Tallahassee. This allows the coaching staff to make adjustments before conference play begins.
The mix of opponents provides a great variety of playing styles. UAB and North Alabama will bring physical play, while CSUB will likely showcase the technical shots common in West Coast beach volleyball.
The Sandy Panthers are ready to prove the voters right.
With a legendary coach, a roster full of veterans, and a new spark on the coaching staff, all the pieces are in place. The road to another Sun Belt title begins now.
The sand in Atlanta is ready for another historic season. The Sandy Panthers have the target on their backs, and they wouldn’t have it any other way. It is time to see if they can turn preseason hype into postseason hardware once again.
