Americans Taryn Kloth and Kristen Nuss have achieved remarkable success in beach volleyball, winning the beach volleyball tour finals and finishing 2023 ranked No. 2 in the world. This dynamic duo has defied expectations and made a significant mark on the sport.
Rising Stars: Taryn Kloth and Kristen Nuss
Taryn Kloth, standing at 6-foot-4, and Kristen Nuss, who is 5-foot-6, form an exceptional team. Their journey to the top has been anything but ordinary. Kloth and Nuss clinched their biggest title yet by defeating Germans Svenja Müller and Cinja Tillmann 21-17, 21-14 in the final in Doha. Their performance in the semifinals was equally impressive, sweeping Olympic silver medalists Mariafe Artacho and Taliqua Clancy of Australia 21-19, 21-13.
Dominating the World Stage
Kloth and Nuss are currently ranked second globally, right behind the Brazilian team of Ana Patricia and Duda. Another American duo, Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes, who previously beat Kloth and Nuss to win the world championships in October, finished third at the finals. Despite their dominance, Cheng and Hughes struggled at the finals, going 0-4.
Road to the Olympics
With their current ranking, Kloth and Nuss are in a solid position to secure one of the two U.S. Olympic spots for the Paris Games. Their consistent performance in 2023, including three international titles and two domestic AVP tour wins, has set them up for success. The former LSU teammates began the year by qualifying for main draw spots at international tournaments, showcasing their determination and skill.
Breaking Barriers and Making History
Taryn Kloth and Kristen Nuss have made history with the largest height differential in Olympic beach volleyball. Nuss, at 5-foot-6, is ten inches shorter than Kloth. Despite this, their chemistry and partnership have led them to incredible achievements. They train in New Orleans, making them the first U.S. team to represent without a connection to California, the traditional beach volleyball hub.
Defying the Odds
Team TKN, as they are known, has defied the odds since turning professional in 2021. Their journey to the 2024 Paris Games has been unconventional but successful. They started 2024 ranked second in the world, behind only the Brazilian powerhouse of Ana Patricia and Duda. Their victories against top teams, including a 2-0 win over Canada and another 2-0 win against Australia, prove they deserve their high ranking.
The Secret to Their Success
The secret to Kloth and Nuss’s success lies in their unique chemistry. They are not only teammates but also business partners, roommates, and best friends. Their bond has been the foundation of their journey. As Kloth mentioned, they would rather give up volleyball than lose their friendship and sisterhood.
Overcoming Height Challenges
Kristen Nuss, considered one of the best beach volleyball defenders globally, is also the shortest player to represent the U.S. in the sport at the Olympics since 1996. Despite her height, Nuss has consistently proven her skills, leading her high school to multiple state championships and becoming the all-time winningest beach volleyball player in NCAA history with 139 victories.
Taryn Kloth’s Journey
Taryn Kloth’s journey began in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, a state not known for volleyball. Her impressive indoor volleyball career at Creighton University led to a transition to beach volleyball at LSU. Despite initial struggles, Kloth helped LSU achieve a No. 1 ranking in 2020. The pandemic halted their progress, but it also brought Kloth and Nuss closer, leading to their successful partnership.
Turning Pro and Setting Goals
After a historic 2021 season at LSU, Kloth and Nuss turned professional, naming themselves Team TKN. Their goal was clear: to win Olympic gold in 2024. Training in New Orleans allowed them to stay connected with their coach and avoid the expensive California lifestyle. Their determination paid off as they started winning tournaments and racking up ranking points.
Proving Critics Wrong
Despite doubts from former Olympians and critics, Kloth and Nuss continued to prove themselves. They won multiple tournaments in 2023, medaling in seven, the most since 2016. Their victory at the beach pro tour finals earned them a No. 2 FIVB ranking, solidifying their place among the best in the world.
Focus on the Future
With their sights set on the Paris Games, Kloth and Nuss remain focused on their goal. Kloth’s engagement has taken a backseat to their Olympic dreams, with both athletes fully committed to bringing home the gold. As Nuss envisions herself on the podium, hand over heart, it’s clear that their journey is far from over.
Taryn Kloth and Kristen Nuss’s journey in beach volleyball is a testament to their hard work, resilience, and exceptional partnership. As they continue to reach new heights, their story inspires fans and aspiring athletes worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How did Taryn Kloth and Kristen Nuss start playing beach volleyball together?
Taryn Kloth and Kristen Nuss started playing beach volleyball together at LSU. Their successful partnership began during the 2021 season, where they dominated with a 36-0 run, leading to their decision to turn professional.
2. What makes Kloth and Nuss’s partnership unique?
Kloth and Nuss’s partnership is unique due to their chemistry both on and off the court. They are teammates, business partners, roommates, and best friends, which strengthens their bond and performance.
3. How have Kloth and Nuss defied expectations in beach volleyball?
Kloth and Nuss have defied expectations by overcoming the largest height differential in Olympic beach volleyball history and training outside the traditional California hub. Their determination and skill have led them to remarkable success.
4. What achievements have Kloth and Nuss accomplished in 2023?
In 2023, Kloth and Nuss won three international titles, two domestic AVP tour titles, and medaled in seven tournaments. They finished the year ranked No. 2 globally, a significant achievement in their professional careers.
5. What are Kloth and Nuss’s goals for the future?
Kloth and Nuss’s primary goal is to win Olympic gold at the 2024 Paris Games. They remain focused on their training and competitions, determined to achieve their dreams and make history for the U.S. in beach volleyball.