Connolley Named AVCA Two-Year College Beach Player to Watch
SOUTH PRINCE GEORGE, VA — On Tuesday, the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) announced the 2026 AVCA Two-Year College Men's and Beach Players To Watch. Sophomore, Taelin Connolley landed on this list for Richard Bland Beach Volleyball.
In her freshman campaign, Connolley helped the Statesmen capture the 2025 Region 10 Title, and earn a bid to the NJCAA National Tournament. Taelin will be relied upon to continue leading the Statesmen in their pursuit of a return to the national tournament.
Connolley was previously named a 2nd Team NJCAA DII Volleyball All-American and All-Region 10 First Team, during the fall indoor season. In 2024 she was named All-Region 10 First Team, Region 10 DII Player of the Year, Region 10 All-Tournament Team, and 1st Team NJCAA All-American.
RBC opens the season on February 7 with a road doubleheader at Salem College, kicking off a stretch that tests the Statesmen early. The team returns to Virginia Beach later in the month to compete in the Regent University Tournament, where RBC will face Lancaster Bible College, the University of Lynchburg, and host, Regent University.
For the full schedule and updates throughout the season, visit https://www.rbcathletics.com/sports/beachvball/2025-26/schedule or follow @richard_bland_volleyball on social media.
Full AVCA story here: https://www.avca.org/blog/2026-avca-two-year-college-players-to-watch/