Washington Beach Volleyball Welcomes Abbie Hughes As Assistant Coach
November 17, 2025 | Beach Volleyball
SEATTLE – Washington Head Beach Volleyball Coach Steve McFadden has announced that Abbie Hughes will join the Husky program as an Assistant Coach. Hughes brings extensive experience as a collegiate player at Grand Canyon University and Florida International University, and as a coach at Arizona State University.
Hughes joined Sun Devil Beach Volleyball in July 2023 as a volunteer assistant and was promoted to assistant coach in 2024. During the 2025 season, she helped guide Arizona State to a record-breaking 22-win season, including seven victories over ranked opponents. The Sun Devils finished No. 12 in the AVCA Coaches Poll for the second consecutive year and reached the finals of the first Big 12 Beach Volleyball Championships. Hughes coached Samaya Morin to AVCA All-America Second Team honors and had three athletes named to the Big 12 All-Conference Team.
In her first season at ASU in 2024, Hughes helped lead the Sun Devils to 21 wins, an NCAA Tournament appearance, and 11 ranked victories, setting program records. She coached Daniella Kensinger and Ava Williamson to AVCA All-America honors the first All-Americans in program history and contributed to Top Flight awards for Williamson and Arden Besecker.
Hughes had a standout collegiate playing career. At Grand Canyon University, she earned AVCA Second Team All-American honors, AVCA Top Flight recognition, and collected numerous wins over top-20 opponents, including an NCAA Tournament victory. Prior to GCU, Hughes competed at Florida International University, excelling as a dual-sport athlete in both indoor and beach volleyball while earning multiple Conference USA honors.
"I'm so excited to bring Abbie to Seattle and see her continue to flourish here," said Head Coach Steve McFadden. "I've seen first-hand that she's a fierce competitor and has a great mind for the game. She commands respect but backs that up by forming genuine relationships with her players and earning their trust. I've seen her mature and grow into her coaching role while working with the great staff at ASU over the past few years, and I'm confident that we're picking a great leader and role model for our team. It's a really exciting day for Husky Beach Volleyball!"
Hughes steps into her role immediately, joining the program as the Huskies set the foundation for a successful 2026 season.
Hughes joined Sun Devil Beach Volleyball in July 2023 as a volunteer assistant and was promoted to assistant coach in 2024. During the 2025 season, she helped guide Arizona State to a record-breaking 22-win season, including seven victories over ranked opponents. The Sun Devils finished No. 12 in the AVCA Coaches Poll for the second consecutive year and reached the finals of the first Big 12 Beach Volleyball Championships. Hughes coached Samaya Morin to AVCA All-America Second Team honors and had three athletes named to the Big 12 All-Conference Team.
In her first season at ASU in 2024, Hughes helped lead the Sun Devils to 21 wins, an NCAA Tournament appearance, and 11 ranked victories, setting program records. She coached Daniella Kensinger and Ava Williamson to AVCA All-America honors the first All-Americans in program history and contributed to Top Flight awards for Williamson and Arden Besecker.
Hughes had a standout collegiate playing career. At Grand Canyon University, she earned AVCA Second Team All-American honors, AVCA Top Flight recognition, and collected numerous wins over top-20 opponents, including an NCAA Tournament victory. Prior to GCU, Hughes competed at Florida International University, excelling as a dual-sport athlete in both indoor and beach volleyball while earning multiple Conference USA honors.
"I'm so excited to bring Abbie to Seattle and see her continue to flourish here," said Head Coach Steve McFadden. "I've seen first-hand that she's a fierce competitor and has a great mind for the game. She commands respect but backs that up by forming genuine relationships with her players and earning their trust. I've seen her mature and grow into her coaching role while working with the great staff at ASU over the past few years, and I'm confident that we're picking a great leader and role model for our team. It's a really exciting day for Husky Beach Volleyball!"
Hughes steps into her role immediately, joining the program as the Huskies set the foundation for a successful 2026 season.
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