LEXINGTON, Ky.- Santa Clara beach volleyball incoming freshman Avery Cukjati was named 2025 American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Junior Beach All-America Honorable Mention Thursday, as announced by the AVCA.
 
"Avery is very deserving of earning AVCA All-American in terms of her overall talent, consistent elite development, and tournament results in her high school career," Santa Clara head coach Jeff Alzina said. "Avery's commitment to our program here at Santa Clara is yet another example of the growth and direction and rapid improvement of Bronco Beach."
 
Cukjati earned AVCA Honorable Mention Recognition after a stellar season with Dakine Volleyball Club.
 
Cukjati joins the Broncos this fall from Tacoma, Wash., where she played four years of indoor volleyball at Curtis High School. She was named a JVA  Athlete of the Year, and won three MVP awards throughout her club beach volleyball career with Dakine. During her senior year of high school, she amassed 359 kills, averaging 4.2 kills per set, and led her team to an undefeated 27-0 season and a 4A State Championship trophy, earning a spot on the 2024 4A All- State Tournament Team.
 
Cukjati joins the Broncos as a true freshman for the 2026 season looking to build on a talented 2025 roster that made great strides. The team won 18 games, which is tied for the most in program history, and reached the West Coast Conference Tournament final for the first time in program history, finishing in second place. The Broncos defeated No. 17 Washington on March 16 for their first victory over a ranked opponent since 2015, and had a historic six players claim all-WCC honors