USD Beach Volleyball Players Earn Silver at FISU Games
Lauren Watson and Niki Egan secured a silver medal for the university at the international games held in Lima, Peru.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Volleyball
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University of San Diego beach volleyball athletes Lauren Watson and Niki Egan won a silver medal at the 2026 FISU games in Lima, Peru. The tournament featured competitors from 18 participating countries across 15 different sports.
Why it matters
The program was established to expand university athletics and compete in the West Coast Conference. The team is currently building momentum as it prepares for its inaugural season of Division I play.
The USD beach volleyball team has recruited 16 new members and plans to provide 250 spectator seats at its upcoming facility. The new campus site will feature three playing courts and one practice court.
The players
Lauren Watson
She is a University of San Diego beach volleyball player who won a silver medal at the 2026 FISU games.
Niki Egan
She is a University of San Diego beach volleyball player who earned a silver medal while representing the school in Peru.
Derek Olson
He was named head coach of the USD beach volleyball team in 2025 following a coaching tenure at the University of Washington.
The details
Recruiters are building the new Division I roster by offering athletes the opportunity to develop the program from its inception. The team currently holds practice sessions at the South Mission Beach courts as they prepare to transition to their on-campus facility.
Timeline
May 21, 2026: The beach volleyball facility project was officially announced.
October 12, 2026: The Manhattan Beach Tournament concluded.
October 24, 2026: The team begins competition at the Huntington Beach Tournament.
Spring 2027: The team begins its inaugural season and conference play.
Season Trajectory
The introduction of this beach volleyball program marks a significant expansion of the University of San Diego athletic department's reach. By joining the West Coast Conference, the university aims to elevate its competitive standing against established league rivals.
The team will debut its season against Florida International University on February 26, 2027. Following the completion of the South Mission Beach practices, fans can monitor the transition to the new on-campus facility for future home match access.
The takeaway
The successful international performance of these athletes provides a strong recruiting foundation for the school's new Division I program. Prospective fans and supporters should note the team's shift toward on-campus competition beginning in the spring of 2027.
Further reading
For more information on local collegiate programs, visit Volleyball.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The USD Vista.
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