Mount Maunganui’s Main Beach was the ultimate stage for top-tier beach volleyball talent over the weekend, as the 2025 Future Pro Beach Tour brought together an impressive mix of international and national athletes.
The women’s competition showcased the strength of US volleyball, with an all-American lineup securing all four semifinal spots. Their dominance set the tone for an exciting weekend of high-level play, reinforcing their reputation as a powerhouse in the sport.
On the men’s side, the Kiwi contingent gave the home crowd plenty to cheer about. Local stars Ben O’Dea and Brad Fuller clinched gold in a thrilling showdown against compatriots Jack McManaway and Tom Hartles.
“This all-Kiwi final was a testament to the depth of talent within New Zealand’s beach volleyball scene,” said a Volleyball New Zealand spokesperson.
“A special shoutout goes to coach Jason Lochhead, who has worked closely with all four athletes in the gold-medal match. His dedication and the hard work of the high-performance programme have played a crucial role in elevating New Zealand beach volleyball to new heights.”
Watch the final here:
Volleyball New Zealand said to have an all-New Zealand final at one of the first international beach tour events of the year is an incredible achievement.
New Zealand’s women’s teams put up a strong fight, advancing to the quarter-finals but falling just short of the semis.
“Their performance over the weekend was nothing short of impressive, and there’s no doubt they’ll be fired up and ready to take on their next international challenges.”
Beyond the podium finishes, this event was a celebration of passion, dedication, and the future of New Zealand beach volleyball. Young fans eagerly gathered around their Kiwi idols, collecting signatures and soaking in the inspiration from the nation’s best.
“We couldn’t be prouder of our athletes and coaches, who continue to showcase their hard work on the international stage. With such strong performances early in the year, the future is looking bright for New Zealand beach volleyball,” the Volleyball New Zealand spokesperson said.
“A huge thank you to our volunteers, referees, local school programmes, and everyone in between. Volleyball New Zealand is grateful for all your effort into making sure this Futures event was a success.”
For the complete list of results, click here.
If you missed watching the finals, catch them here.
0 comments
Leave a Comment
You must be logged in to make a comment.