Kristen Cruz

Born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, Kristen began playing beach volleyball during her sophomore year of high school, though her athletic success extended far beyond the sand. At Mount Carmel Academy, she helped lead the program to three indoor volleyball state championships and two basketball state titles. Her standout senior season earned her Louisiana Gatorade Player of the Year honors and recognition as the New Orleans Amateur Athlete of the Year. She later continued her career at LSU, where she became the winningest player in program history and ultimately the winningest athlete in collegiate beach volleyball history.

Alongside longtime partner Taryn Brasher, Kristen helped lead LSU to a historic 36-0 season and a fourth-place finish at the NCAA Championships in 2021. The Duo has since established itself among the world’s elite teams, representing Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics and capturing back-to-back Manhattan Beach Open titles in 2024 and 2025. Kristen and Taryn also completed an undefeated AVP League season in 2025 and reached the No. 1 world ranking later that year. In 2026, the Duo added victories at the Joao Pessoa Elite 16 and Saquarema Elite 16 FIVB events.

Kristen’s focus now centers on the road to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. She married LSU women’s indoor volleyball assistant coach Trey Cruz in January 2026 and remains deeply involved in her community through the 656 Foundation, which provides opportunities for Louisiana families and the next generation of athletes nationwide. The foundation’s signature event, “Santa in the Sand,” is held annually in New Orleans each December.