BVB | Gaels Winningest All-Time Beach Volleyball Player Returns to Program as a Graduate Assistant
8/7/2026 2:58:00 PM | Women's Beach Volleyball
MORAGA, Calif. — Hannah Couch, a name that Gaels Beach Volleyball fans have gotten to know extremely well over the past four years, will be sticking around Shaw and Knudsen Courts a bit longer, as the program's all-time winningest player will be back starting next season as a graduate assistant.
Couch had an illustrious playing career for the Gaels, appearing in a program-record 140 matches from 2023 - 2026, and winning a program-record 85 of those. She ranks in the top-10 in wins at the one, two and three flights, and is one just five Gaels to earn All-WCC recognition at least three times in her career, along with Sarah Chase, Lindsey Knudsen, Payton Rund and Emily Bible. A standout in the classroom as well, Couch was twice named a first team WCC All-Academic honoree.
"I have had the privilege of coaching Hannah for the past four years, and I couldn't be more proud of all that she has accomplished both on and off the court. Hannah is one of those exceptional players who doesn't just play the game—she truly understands it. She has an exceptional ability to read the game, recognize what is happening in front of her, and develop intelligent, intuitive game plans. Her volleyball IQ, curiosity, and ability to see the game from multiple perspectives will be tremendous assets to our coaching staff. As a recent graduate, and someone who has experienced our program from the inside, Hannah will bring a unique perspective and great insight to our team. We are incredibly excited to welcome her to our coaching staff and watch her take this next step in her coaching career."
-Janice Harrer, Head Coach, Saint Mary's Beach Volleyball
"I spent four years in this program, learning what it means to compete and lead as a Gael. Now I get to help the next group of players find that same growth. I'm so grateful to Coach Harrer for this opportunity and I can't wait to get to work!"
-Hannah Couch, Grad Asst., Saint Mary's Beach Volleyball
Hannah will join a coaching staff that features the program's all-time winningest head coach, Janice Harrer, who coached her in all four of her playing years, as well as assistant coach Taylor Crabb, who has helped the Gaels to two of their most successful seasons in program history in 2025 and 2026.
#GaelsRise
Couch had an illustrious playing career for the Gaels, appearing in a program-record 140 matches from 2023 - 2026, and winning a program-record 85 of those. She ranks in the top-10 in wins at the one, two and three flights, and is one just five Gaels to earn All-WCC recognition at least three times in her career, along with Sarah Chase, Lindsey Knudsen, Payton Rund and Emily Bible. A standout in the classroom as well, Couch was twice named a first team WCC All-Academic honoree.
"I have had the privilege of coaching Hannah for the past four years, and I couldn't be more proud of all that she has accomplished both on and off the court. Hannah is one of those exceptional players who doesn't just play the game—she truly understands it. She has an exceptional ability to read the game, recognize what is happening in front of her, and develop intelligent, intuitive game plans. Her volleyball IQ, curiosity, and ability to see the game from multiple perspectives will be tremendous assets to our coaching staff. As a recent graduate, and someone who has experienced our program from the inside, Hannah will bring a unique perspective and great insight to our team. We are incredibly excited to welcome her to our coaching staff and watch her take this next step in her coaching career."
-Janice Harrer, Head Coach, Saint Mary's Beach Volleyball
"I spent four years in this program, learning what it means to compete and lead as a Gael. Now I get to help the next group of players find that same growth. I'm so grateful to Coach Harrer for this opportunity and I can't wait to get to work!"
-Hannah Couch, Grad Asst., Saint Mary's Beach Volleyball
Hannah will join a coaching staff that features the program's all-time winningest head coach, Janice Harrer, who coached her in all four of her playing years, as well as assistant coach Taylor Crabb, who has helped the Gaels to two of their most successful seasons in program history in 2025 and 2026.
#GaelsRise
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/ Women's Beach Volleyball
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