Lexington, Ky. — The American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) announced its 2026 Collegiate Beach All-America teams on Thursday, with Stetson's Marta Carro and Maria Ozaeta earning Second Team honors.
The recognition marks the first All-America honor for both Carro and Ozaeta, and the first for the Stetson program since 2023. The duo also becomes the fifth pair in program history to earn AVCA All-America distinction.
Carro and Ozaeta anchored the Hatters' lineup throughout the season, compiling a 20–12 record across the top two flights, including a 12–7 mark at the No. 1 position and 8–5 at No. 2. The pair excelled in conference play with a 6–1 record and recorded key wins over ranked opponents, including No. 13 Grand Canyon, No. 14 FAU, No. 17 North Florida, and No. 18 South Carolina (twice). They were named ASUN Pair of the Year and earned First Team All-ASUN honors.
The duo carried that momentum into the postseason, earning straight-set victories over Austin Peay, Jacksonville, and FGCU in the ASUN Championship before taking the opening set in the title match against North Florida. Their performance secured spots on the ASUN All-Tournament Team.
Carro and Ozaeta now lead No. 12 seed Stetson into the NCAA Championship in Gulf Shores, Alabama. The Hatters enter the tournament with a 27–9 overall record and will face Florida State in the opening round. The two teams met earlier this season in DeLand, with Florida State earning a 4–1 victory.
About Stetson Athletics
At Stetson University, student-athletes don't just compete—they thrive. Located in historic DeLand, Florida, between Orlando and Daytona Beach, Stetson offers the perfect blend of competitive athletics, academic excellence, and an unbeatable Central Florida lifestyle. As the oldest private university in the region, Stetson supports approximately 500 student-athletes across 19 NCAA Division I sports. Nicknamed the "Hatters" after the institution's namesake John B. Stetson, a hat manufacturer who originated the modern-day cowboy hat, most Stetson athletic teams compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference, where they proudly hold the longest active membership since 1985. With top-tier facilities, personalized support, and a welcoming campus community, Stetson is where students can grow, compete, and succeed. Learn more at GoHatters.com or follow social media accounts @StetsonHatters.
