SAN BRUNO, Calif. - Branson Lennon of the University of San Francisco beach volleyball program has been named to the 2026 West Coast Conference Beach Volleyball Preseason Team, announced by the league on Thursday afternoon.
 
Entering her final season on the Hilltop, Lennon broke out during the 2025 season as she compiled a team-leading 15 victories while teaming up primarily with Burkleigh Smith, a member of the WCC All-Freshman Team following the conclusion of last season. As a pair, Lennon and Smith totaled a 12-16 record, with eight wins coming at the third doubles flight.
 
The duo posted five straight wins from March 10 – March 12, the longest streak of the season, highlighted by a 21-18, 21-19 straight set sweep of Nebraska in the final match of the Heineken Queen's Cup in Honolulu, Hawaii. Lennon also added crucial victories over Santa Clara, Pacific, San Jose State, Saint Mary's, and a 21-11, 21-7 win over Portland in the first round of the WCC Championship.
 
Lennon becomes just the second San Francisco student-athlete in the last six seasons to be named to the All-WCC Preseason Team, with Anna Dalla Vecchia getting the last nod before the beginning of the 2020 campaign.
 
San Francisco kicks off the 2026 season in the South Bay, when it takes on Santa Clara and San Jose State on Friday, Feb. 20, at Spartan Beach.
 
The full West Coast Conference Beach Volleyball Preseason Poll and Team can be viewed here.
 
For updates and more information on the University of San Francisco beach volleyball program, follow the Dons on Instagram @USFDonsBeach.