Taryn Brasher

Growing up in South Dakota, where opportunities for high-level volleyball training were limited, Taryn Brasher carved an unlikely path to becoming one of the top beach volleyball players in the world. She helped establish one of the state’s first indoor volleyball clubs and quickly rose through the high school ranks, earning South Dakota Gatorade Player of the Year honors in 2014. Taryn went on to star at Creighton University as the highest-ranked recruit in program history, becoming an All-American while helping lead the Bluejays to four consecutive Big East titles and four NCAA Tournament appearances, including an Elite Eight run in 2016.

After graduating early from Creighton, Taryn transferred to LSU for graduate school, where she discovered her passion for beach volleyball. Alongside partner Kristen Cruz, she helped LSU reach the No. 1 national ranking and completed a historic undefeated 36-0 season on Court One in 2021. Since turning professional, the Duo has become one of the top teams in the world, representing Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics, winning back-to-back Manhattan Beach Open titles in 2024 and 2025, and completing an undefeated AVP League season in 2025 before earning the No. 1 world ranking. In 2026, Taryn and Kristen added victories at the Joao Pessoa Elite 16 and Saquarema Elite 16 FIVB events.

Taryn’s focus now centers on the road to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Away from competition, she remains active in the 656 Foundation alongside Kristen, helping create opportunities for Louisiana families and the next generation of athletes through community initiatives such as the annual “Santa in the Sand” event in New Orleans.