NEW ORLEANS – The Tulane Green Wave beach volleyball team is poised for a strong 2026 season, having secured a place among the nation’s top 20 programs in both major preseason polls. The American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Coaches Poll ranks Tulane at No. 20, while the TruVolley poll places the Green Wave at No. 18. This recognition comes just days before the team kicks off its campaign at home.
UCLA leads the nation, topping both polls and receiving 12 first-place votes in the AVCA ranking, according to Sports Illustrated. Stanford, Cal Poly, USC, and TCU round out the AVCA’s top five. The TruVolley top five mirrors the AVCA poll with a slight adjustment, swapping TCU and USC’s positions.
The Green Wave’s success is built on a foundation of experienced leadership. The 2026 roster boasts six senior players – three true seniors and three graduate students. Graduate students Amirah Ali, Emma Morris, and Giorgia Walther will be key contributors, alongside true seniors Molly Trodd, McKenzie Cutler, and Sam O’Connor. Morris and Trodd previously demonstrated their skill on the national stage, having competed in the AVCA Pairs National Championship during the fall, alongside teammates Skylar Ensign and Katie Hansen.
Tulane will launch its season by hosting the Green Wave Invitational at White Sands Volleyball Courts this weekend. The team is scheduled for five matches, beginning with a contest against No. 12 LSU on Friday, February 20, at 8:30 a.m. CT.
Green Wave Invitational Schedule
The Green Wave Invitational will provide an early test for Tulane, facing a challenging schedule that includes a matchup against a ranked opponent in LSU. Fans can find ticket information for Tulane’s volleyball, football, and basketball seasons by calling 504-861-WAVE (9283), visiting TulaneTix.com, or stopping by the ticket office at the James W. Wilson Jr. Center.
Experienced Leadership Drives Tulane’s Success
Head Coach Eyal Zimet has guided the Green Wave to increasing success in his tenure. In 2025, his team achieved a 24-13 record, securing 13 sweeps and a victory over a ranked opponent, South Carolina, as noted in his staff profile on the Tulane Athletics website. The team’s strong senior class is expected to play a pivotal role in continuing this upward trajectory.
The AVCA rankings, as detailed on the AVCA website, reflect the competitive landscape of collegiate beach volleyball. UCLA holds the top spot, followed by Stanford, Cal Poly, USC, and TCU. Tulane’s inclusion in the top 20 demonstrates the program’s growing prominence within the sport.
Follow Tulane beach volleyball for updates throughout the season on social media: @GreenWaveBeach on Instagram, @GreenWaveBeach on Twitter, and @GreenWaveBeach on Facebook.
The Green Wave Club supports Tulane Athletics, providing resources for student-athletes to excel. Donations can be made by calling (504) 865-5356, emailing [email protected], or visiting GreenWaveClub.com.
As the Green Wave prepares to face LSU and the rest of the competition at the Green Wave Invitational, the team aims to build on its preseason ranking and establish itself as a force in collegiate beach volleyball. The opening weekend will provide a crucial early indicator of their potential for the 2026 season.
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