Wayland Baptist University's beach volleyball program continues to build national recognition, as multiple Pioneer pairs were honored with the 2026 American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Top Flight Award—one of the sport's most competitive and respected distinctions for collegiate beach duos.
Now in its eighth year, the AVCA Top Flight program recognizes pairs across the country who have demonstrated sustained excellence at their respective lineup positions. To qualify, a pair must compete in at least 15 matches together at a specific flight and post a winning percentage of 75% or higher. In 2026, just 80 pairs from 35 schools across the NCAA, NAIA, and junior college levels achieved this benchmark—placing Wayland Baptist firmly among the nation's elite.
Leading the way for the Pioneers at Flight 2, Selma Sutaj and Alaina Baran earned Top Flight honors following a dominant season against top-tier competition. The duo consistently delivered in high-pressure matchups, serving as a cornerstone pairing in Wayland's lineup and setting the tone with their physical play and chemistry.
At Flight 3, Averi Penner and Lilou Henry-Souquet-Bressand were also recognized after putting together an impressive campaign marked by consistency and resilience. The pair's ability to close out tight matches and maintain a high level of performance throughout the season made them one of the most reliable tandems in the NAIA ranks.
Rounding out Wayland's honorees at Flight 4, Frida Espeseth and Milena Alliot-Maslankiewich secured their place among the nation's best with a strong winning percentage and steady improvement throughout the year. Their growth as a pair proved vital to the Pioneers' overall success and depth.
This recognition adds yet another milestone to what has been a historic season for Wayland Baptist's beach volleyball program. In just its second year of existence, the program has rapidly developed into a national contender, with multiple accolades highlighting both individual excellence and team success.
With three pairs earning AVCA Top Flight status, Wayland Baptist not only showcased its depth across multiple flights but also reinforced its reputation as one of the rising programs in collegiate beach volleyball.
