Following a positive test for a banned substance at a beach volleyball tournament, Ally Batenhorst attended the University of Southern California (USC) versus the University of Nebraska match from the sidelines. Batenhorst, who has played for both universities, watched at USC’s Galen Center with her beach volleyball partner, Sara Hughes.
Hughes also played for USC, earning several accolades, including five national championships in beach volleyball from 2014 to 2017.
Ally Batenhorst Was All Smiles At USC vs Nebraska Game Despite Suspension
This season, Batenhorst surprised fans by trading the hardwood for the sand, making her beach volleyball debut. Teaming up with Hughes, she set her sights on representing the United States at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, quickly earning praise for her seamless transition to the new format.
Batenhorst was banned by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) after testing positive for a banned substance at a match in California last month. After being notified of the result this week by the FIVB, her legal team has actively appealed this decision, with Batenhorst showing no signs of the decision affecting her, as she beamed with happiness at the USC vs. Nebraska game.
The official USC account on Instagram wrote: “Ally Batenhorst & Sara Hughes in the building 🤩✌️.”
Before deciding to participate in beach volleyball this season, Batenhorst competed for the Omaha Supernovas in the Pro Volleyball Federation indoor league. She had a successful tenure with them, playing a key role as they won the inaugural PVF season.
What Hughes Had To Say About Batenhorst’s Beach Volleyball Debut
Hughes brings a wealth of beach volleyball experience, having first made waves internationally by winning bronze at the U21 FIVB World Championships alongside Kelly Cheng. She later captured her first world title at the 2018 Moscow Open alongside Summer Ross, cementing her status among the sport’s elite.
After competing with Batenhorst for the very first time at the Newport Beach Elite 16 tournament, Hughes praised her teammate on Instagram for her impressive performance:
“So proud of @allybatenhorst for how she handled her debut into the beach volleyball scene. Can’t wait to keep working hard and for our next competition. Love this team!! ❤️,” she wrote.
According to the Omaha World-Herald, Batenhorst’s legal team revealed that USA Volleyball and the FIVB were aware that she had taken a doctor-prescribed medication before the drug test, anticipating that her ban would be lifted soon. It shouldn’t be long before the pair are back on the sand again.
