Now in its second year, the AVP League is reshaping the landscape of pro beach volleyball by introducing a team-based format and bringing the game indoors to arenas across the country. San Diego has long been a volleyball town, and that legacy was on full display. The crowd at Viejas brought nonstop energy, filling the arena to cheer on both the sport’s biggest stars and hometown heroes. As the league continues to grow, San Diego is quickly emerging as one of its flagship destinations.
On the court, the Los Angeles Launch dominated the weekend, finishing a perfect 4-0 in match play. The duo of Terese Cannon and San Diego native Megan Kraft led the women’s side, while Hagen Smith and Logan Webber took charge on the men’s. One of the most thrilling moments came during the women’s clash between the San Diego Smash and the LA Launch, where Urango/Van Winkle of the Smash captured the longest set in AVP League history, edging it out 23-21.
Among the weekend’s standouts was Megan Kraft, who took the court for the LA Launch alongside Cannon. Kraft, a former USC standout and rising force in the sport, was met with roaring cheers from the home crowd.
"It’s exciting playing in front of people that have supported me for a long time,"Kraft said. "Sometimes we’re traveling the world and they’re watching from home, so it’s really cool to play in front of them in person."
Asked whether San Diego deserves a larger AVP event beyond the League stop, she responded without hesitation: "Absolutely. San Diego is a really big beach volleyball community. Bringing AVP League here is a start, but I definitely think we should have a big event here."
On the men’s side, San Diego's own Chase Budinger brought the house down. The former NBA player turned beach volleyball pro has rapidly climbed the ranks and become a fan favorite. "It’s great being back home, playing in front of family and friends - it’s always special," Budinger said. "There really hasn’t been a time in my professional career to come back to San Diego and play a tournament, so having the AVP League here two years in a row now is really special." On the question of whether San Diego should host a major AVP stop, Budinger said simply, "Yes. There are a lot of great cities that love beach volleyball, and San Diego is definitely one of them."
With another powerful showing in the books, San Diego has made a strong case for becoming a permanent home for high-level beach volleyball. The city’s passion for the sport is undeniable, and the future for pro volleyball in San Diego looks brighter than ever.
Originally published on June 8, 2025. Article by Patrick Buckel. Photos by Chris Buckel.
On the men’s side, San Diego's own Chase Budinger brought the house down. The former NBA player turned beach volleyball pro has rapidly climbed the ranks and become a fan favorite. "It’s great being back home, playing in front of family and friends - it’s always special," Budinger said. "There really hasn’t been a time in my professional career to come back to San Diego and play a tournament, so having the AVP League here two years in a row now is really special." On the question of whether San Diego should host a major AVP stop, Budinger said simply, "Yes. There are a lot of great cities that love beach volleyball, and San Diego is definitely one of them."
With another powerful showing in the books, San Diego has made a strong case for becoming a permanent home for high-level beach volleyball. The city’s passion for the sport is undeniable, and the future for pro volleyball in San Diego looks brighter than ever.
Originally published on June 8, 2025. Article by Patrick Buckel. Photos by Chris Buckel.
