t suffered a season-ending injury in the middle of the year. But what we do know is that Megan J. Rice stepped up in a big way to fill the void left by Rodriguez. Rice, a former indoor standout at the University of Michigan, made an immediate impact on the AVP Tour in her rookie season. She finished in the top 10 in three out of the four Pro or Gold Series events she played in, including a second-place finish in Laguna Beach with Brook Bauer. Rice’s athleticism and versatility were on full display as she seamlessly transitioned from indoor to beach volleyball. With a bright future ahead of her, Rice is poised to become a force to be reckoned with on the AVP Tour.
Honorable Mention:
Toni Rodriguez (despite her injury)
Deahna Kraft
Carly Kanif Rodriguez had been able to play the entire season. But what we do know is that Megan J. Rice made the most of her opportunity.
Rice, a standout indoor player at the University of Michigan, burst onto the beach scene this season and immediately made an impact. She finished in the top 10 in three Pro or Gold Series events, including a second-place finish in Laguna Beach with Brook Bauer. Rice’s athleticism and versatility were on full display as she seamlessly transitioned from the indoor game to the beach.
With a bright future ahead of her, Rice has already established herself as a force to be reckoned with on the AVP Tour.
Honorable Mention
Toni Rodriguez
Megan McNamara
Nicole McNamara
Megan J. Rice serves in the womens final/Mark Rigney photoovercome her at the net. And that’s exactly what happened in 2023.
Kloth led the AVP in blocks per set with an impressive 1.41, totaling 84 blocks throughout the season. Her ability to read the game and time her blocks perfectly made her a force to be reckoned with at the net. She consistently shut down opposing hitters and disrupted their offensive rhythm.
But Kloth’s impact wasn’t just limited to blocking. She also contributed on the offensive end, hitting at an incredible .516 percentage, the highest in the league. Her efficiency and ability to put the ball away made her a valuable asset to her team’s success.
Together with her partner Kristen Nuss, Kloth formed a formidable duo that dominated the AVP Tour in 2023. Nuss, known for her exceptional digging skills, complemented Kloth’s blocking prowess perfectly. The two worked in sync, creating a strong defensive wall that was nearly impossible to penetrate.
Their success was evident in their results. They won two Gold Series events, in Atlanta and Chicago, without dropping a set. They defeated some of the top teams in the world, including Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes, Brandie Wilkerson and Melissa Humana-Paredes, and Betsi Flint and Julia Scoles.
With their impressive performances and consistent success throughout the season, it’s no surprise that Kristen Nuss and Taryn Kloth were named the VolleyballMag 2023 AVP Team of the Year. Their dominance on both ends of the court, combined with their chemistry and teamwork, set them apart from the competition.
In addition to the Team of the Year award, Kloth also received the 2023 AVP MVP and Offensive Player of the Year honors. Her exceptional blocking and offensive efficiency made her a standout player in the league. Nuss, on the other hand, was recognized as the Defensive Player of the Year for her unmatched digging skills and ability to terminate transition opportunities.
The 2023 AVP season was a memorable one for women’s beach volleyball. The talent and competition were at an all-time high, with multiple teams vying for the top spot. But in the end, it was Kristen Nuss and Taryn Kloth who emerged as the best team in America, leaving a lasting impact on the sport.
How did Kloth’s agility and quickness on defense contribute to her team’s success in blocking and keeping rallies alive?
Felt beyond just her blocking ability. She was also a strong presence on defense, consistently making key digs and keeping rallies alive. Her agility and quickness allowed her to cover a lot of ground on the court, making it difficult for opponents to find open spaces to attack.
Offensively, Kloth was no slouch either. She showcased her versatility as an attacker, able to hit powerful spikes and finesse shots with equal proficiency. Her ability to mix up her shots kept defenders guessing and allowed her to find success against even the toughest blockers.
Beyond her individual skill, Kloth also proved to be a valuable teammate and leader. She exuded confidence and composure on the court, rallying her team during tough moments and setting a positive tone for the entire squad. Her strong work ethic and dedication to improving were evident in her consistent performance throughout the season.
It is clear that Kloth’s impact was instrumental in her team’s success. With her skills and leadership, she helped elevate her team to new heights and solidify their position as top contenders in the league. As she continues to grow and develop as a player, there is no doubt that Kloth will remain a force to be reckoned with in the AVP Tour.
Wow, these two are really going to dominate the AVP in 2023! Can’t wait to see them in action.