​Taylor Crabb knows these South California shores well. A Long Beach State alum, he heads home this weekend to compete in AVP League matches, marking the circuit’s first return to Long Beach since 2020 and offering a chance for players to secure a spot at the 2028 Olympics beach volleyball venue. Crabb, now 34, first stepped onto the AVP stage in 2013 with his brother Trevor, advancing from the Manhattan Beach qualifier and finishing 25th in his inaugural tournament. After playing with a string of partners over the years, Crabb and Andy Benesh have emerged as the top performers this AVP season.
The following interview with Crabb has been edited for clarity and length. Are you excited to compete in this weekend’s event in Long Beach? Crabb: I’m really excited. A lot of my college teammates and some folks from the program are planning to come out, and I’m looking forward to playing in front of them again.
When was the last time you were in Long Beach? Crabb: I try to attend alumni events and big games there regularly. I went to UCLA against Long Beach last year—one of those marquee matches, number one versus number two—so I always try to support the program.
You missed the chance to compete in the 2020 Olympics due to COVID-19 restrictions and chose not to pursue a spot at the 2024 Olympics. Are you fired up to try for 2028, knowing Long Beach will host the competition? Crabb: It’s an exciting time with the Olympics in Long Beach, and we get to break it in this weekend. Tokyo didn’t go as I hoped, but I’m going full force now. I have a strong partner in Andy Benesh, who competed in Paris, and if not for the Olympics in Long Beach and a partner like Andy, I’m not sure I’d be chasing this, but those two factors make me want to seize the moment.
You mentioned that having a partner like Andy changes your mindset. What do you mean? Crabb: I didn’t feel motivated by playing in all the international events for a while, but sitting out for a period kind of lit a fire under me, and I’m really driven now.
You’ve played with several partners over the years. What additional motivation does Andy bring? Crabb: He’s been, in my view, the top blocker for the U.S. over the last four to five years. Watching the professionalism he brings to practice every day, on and off the court, both in travel and at tournaments, has a contagious effect. It motivates me to improve and to make him proud.
Why do you love volleyball? Crabb: There are many reasons, but I’ll keep it simple and relevant. Volleyball challenges you physically and mentally, rewards teamwork, patience, and adaptability, and it offers a constant path to growth. The sport pushes you to compete at your best, to study the game, to communicate effectively with your partner, and to stay resilient in the face of setbacks. There’s a unique blend of athleticism, strategy, and connection that keeps me drawn to it, season after season.