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Two Mesa Community College beach volleyball players celebrate on the sand during a match, smiling and raising their hands for a high five. Both athletes wear blue Thunderbird jerseys, black shorts and sunglasses while competing in front of a crowd of spectators seated behind the court barriers on a sunny day.
Two Mesa Community College beach volleyball players celebrate on the sand during a match, smiling and raising their hands for a high five. Both athletes wear blue Thunderbird jerseys, black shorts and sunglasses while competing in front of a crowd of spectators seated behind the court barriers on a sunny day.
Posted: May 18, 2026

BRIANNA ANDERSON & MARLEY AVECHUCO SET SINGLE SEASON PROGRAM WINS RECORD

Mesa Community College Beach Volleyball standouts Brianna Anderson and Marley Avechuco etched their names into the Thunderbird record books during the 2026 season, finishing with a program-record 29 victories as a pair.

The duo's 29-7 campaign helped lead Mesa to a historic season that included a third-place finish at the NJCAA Beach Volleyball National Championships and a program-record 21 team wins. Throughout the year, Anderson and Avechuco consistently delivered in key moments, establishing themselves as one of the premier pairings in the NJCAA ranks.

Head Coach Jordan Herrington credited the pair's chemistry and adaptability as the driving force behind their success.

"What made Brianna & Marley our most successful pair this season was their communication, chemistry and consistent stride to get better," Herrington said. "They always listened, implemented a game plan and had the ability to make adjustments on the fly. There were times they would implement it mid-play, which is no small task and requires a very high level IQ."

That ability to stay composed and execute under pressure became a defining characteristic of the duo throughout the season, especially during postseason play against some of the nation's top teams.

"Beach is all about composure and not making the game bigger than what it is," Herrington said. "Making the game smaller makes it easier to control, and Bri and Mar both played a very small, tight-knit game. They would make small adjustments that were hard to identify or defend."

Anderson's relentless energy and defensive effort made her a constant challenge for opposing teams. Her ability to extend rallies and create scoring opportunities became one of Mesa's biggest strengths.

"Her hustle, grit and shots were so effective and intentional that it would pick teams apart," Herrington said. "Beach is an exhausting sport and Brianna would exhaust herself and get balls that you would never think would be achievable. She frustrated her opponents and executed on that, making her so stellar."

Avechuco's versatility and willingness to compete through adversity also played a major role in the pair's record-setting season.

"Mar was talented. She could hit and place any ball on the court, which is not easy," Herrington said. "Mar would give all she had for those around her. Even so, she had to be drug off the sand by ambulance. That is not something you see every day as a coach."

Together, Anderson and Avechuco helped elevate the Thunderbird beach volleyball program to new heights, setting a new standard for future Mesa pairs to chase.

Photo Credit: Eric Hildwine