Stanford beach volleyball made history in 2026, finishing as NCAA Runner-Up and achieving several program milestones. The Cardinal secured their first-ever No. 1 national ranking, became the first team to win quarterfinal and semifinal matches at the NCAA Championship, and set multiple records throughout the season. Senior Kelly Belardi surpassed 100 career victories, while sophomore Charlotta Bell broke single-season records with 37 wins. Stanford maintained a strong performance throughout the season, culminating in a total of 39 wins.

By the Numbers
  • Stanford recorded a program-best 39 wins against 5 losses in 2026, surpassing the previous record by seven victories.
  • Charlotta Bell set a new single-season wins record with 37 victories.
State of Play
  • Stanford beach volleyball finished strong in regular season with 34 wins in 37 matches.
  • The Cardinal advanced to the NCAA title dual match for the first time, losing 3-0 to UCLA.
What's Next

With nearly all members of the championship lineup returning, Stanford is well-positioned to pursue its first national title in the upcoming 2027 season.

Bottom Line

Stanford beach volleyball's remarkable achievements in 2026 signify a pivotal moment in the program's history, setting the stage for future success and a strong title contention in 2027.