US Beach National Team Roster Announced for 2025 World Games
July 17, 2025 – The US Korfball Federation (USKF), the national governing body of the sport in the United States, announced today the six-person, mixed-gender roster for the U.S. Beach National Team that will represent the United States at the 2025 World Games next month in Chengdu, China.
Korfball, a “centuries-old cousin of basketball” where “men and women play as equals” (The New York Times), is gaining a new wave of international momentum – and its fast-paced beach variant is helping lead the charge. USA is currently ranked #6 in the International Korfball Federation (IKF) Beach Korfball World Rankings and is one of eight countries to qualify for the prestigious event.
The World Games
Often described as a “proving ground for new Olympic sports” (SB Nation), The World Games takes place the year after the Summer Olympics. Beach Korfball will make its debut appearance, joining 30 other sports including Softball, Flag Football, Lacrosse, and Squash – many of which are already chosen for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Over 4,000 athletes from more than 100 nations will compete, with hopes of elevating their sports to Olympic inclusion.
US Beach National Team Roster & Delegation
Head Coach: Erik van Den Bulck
Lindsey Cleary
Ashley Graham
Sean Hermes
Willard “Bill” Johnson
Lariel “L” Mateo
Jeffrey Merrell
Emily Holsan*
Todd Rubin*
Athena Taylor*
Juliana Thong ^
Ebiye Udo-Udoma *^
*Alternate ^Staff
The US team is composed of former high-level basketball players primarily from the Seattle area who picked up the beach sport during Covid in 2021, and competed in the first ever Beach Korfball World Championships in Morocco in 2022.
Team Captain Ashley Graham, a former professional basketball player and a Guinness World Record holder, is excited for the team’s chances:
“Ever since we discovered the sport we’ve applied our basketball skills and have learned the nuances of the game. We’ve competed in five international tournaments since then, brought on a high-level coach from Belgium, and can’t wait to put it all on the sand in Chengdu against the traditional korfball powerhouses.”
Olympic Momentum
California native Lariel Mateo, who discovered Korfball while playing basketball with the Seattle-based group, now competes in Portugal’s Indoor Korfball national league and is heavily involved with development initiatives within the IKF. Mateo believes Beach Korfball is well-positioned for Olympic inclusion – especially given the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) focus on gender equality and sustainability:
“Korfball is the only team sport under the IOC’s patronage that is played exclusively mixed-gender, and Beach Korfball enhances Olympic sustainability. With only one current beach sport (volleyball), adding Beach Korfball helps better utilize the sand venue. Plus, with just six athletes per team, it fits under the IOC’s athlete quota without strain.”
The USKF is a member of the International Korfball Federation, which is officially recognized by the International Olympic Committee. Korfball was a demonstration sport at the 1920 and 1928 Olympics.
Korfball in the US
Korfball, invented in 1902 in Europe, traces it’s roots in the United States back to 1969. Judith Dea, President of the USKF, shared:
“As the national governing body, the USKF has worked hard to grow korfball through grassroots programs, youth outreach, and inclusive initiatives across the country. We’re proud to see the US Beach National Team take the court at The World Games, representing the United States on an international stage. We hope their success will help spark new interest and momentum for korfball development across all disciplines of the sport – indoor, beach, and beyond.”
The World Games will be held August 7-17, with Beach Korfball competing August 15-17. The US will face Chinese Taipei, Hungary, and China in the opening rounds. Official livestreaming will be available.
For more information on the team’s journey, contact: info@usakorfball.org
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