The Swiss beach volleyball scene is gearing up for an exciting season, marked by new team constellations and thrilling developments. In the spotlight are the split of Olympic bronze medalists Tanja Hüberli and Nina Brunner, the collaboration of the Vergé-Dépré sisters, and the reshuffling of Switzerland's top three men's teams. These changes promise exciting matchups and plenty of excitement in the upcoming season!
After nine years of playing together and countless achievements, Tanja Hüberli and Nina Brunner announced their professional split in a touching Instagram video, citing differing visions for the future. Their highlights included the bronze medal at this year's Olympic Games in Paris, several podium finishes at Elite16 tournaments, Swiss Championship titles in 2024, and the European Championship titles in Vienna in 2023 and 2021. While Tanja Hüberli plans to continue her career with a new partner, Nina Brunner will be stepping back from elite sports, at least temporarily, to focus on family. However, if circumstances allow, she hasn't ruled out a return to the beach volleyball elite.
Another exciting development is the partnership of the Vergé-Dépré sisters, Anouk and Zoé. After seven years as opponents, the sisters will now be on the same side of the net, sharing a common goal: the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Anouk's former partner, Esmée Böbner, retired from beach volleyball following her participation in the Paris Olympics, making it the perfect time for the sisters to unite their strengths. Since both currently play in the defense position, Anouk will return to her original role as a blocker and take charge of the net in this new partnership.
There are also major shake-ups among Switzerland's top men's teams: Krattiger/Breer, Jordan/Metral, and Heidrich/Dillier are all forming fresh duos and starting new chapters. For third-place finisher Leo Dillier, the upcoming season could be a career breakthrough: with Marco Krattiger by his side, he's gained a top-tier blocker as a partner. Krattiger, who has established himself in Switzerland's beach volleyball elite through several Elite16 tournament appearances and victories in the top Swiss tournament series, brings a wealth of experience and hunger for success. Florian Breer, who previously played alongside Marco Krattiger for five years, will now open a new chapter with the young and promising talent Luc Flückiger. Together, they aim to face new challenges and reach new goals. At the same time, Adrian Heidrich, who recently played with Leo Dillier, is starting a new partnership with Jonathan Jordan to give his career a fresh boost.
Meanwhile, the only constant among the men's top teams is the duo of Yves Haussener and Julian Friedli, who are sticking with their tried-and-tested partnership for the upcoming season. After finishing ninth at this year’s European Championships in the Netherlands, they are more motivated than ever for the next season.
Another change making waves in Swiss beach volleyball is Philip Gabathuler’s switch. The experienced national coach, who has played a key role in guiding Swiss women's teams like Esmée Böbner and Zoé Vergé-Dépré over the past seven years, is now transitioning to the men’s side. With his expertise and deep understanding of the game, he will now help the Swiss men’s teams reach the next level.
