Reagan Miller and Myah Brewington, two young athletes from Ozark, have achieved a historic milestone in their sport. At just 15 and 14 years old, they captured first place in the Girls 14U division of the AVP Juniors Nationals Championships. Their victory came after months of training and competition, and it earned them not only medals and prizes, but also recognition as Beach Volleyball All-Americans. This marks the first time a local team has reached such a high level in the sport. Their success is a testament to their hard work and dedication, which they have shown since beginning their journey in beach volleyball four-and-a-half years ago.
How they made it to nationals
The journey to the national tournament wasn’t simple. To qualify for nationals, the two needed to earn a 'bid' by performing well at local events. Dr. Kelsey Sylvara, Reagan’s mother and Myah’s aunt, described a key moment in their journey. After winning a major tournament in Clearwater, Florida during Thanksgiving last year, the pair knew they had a chance to compete with the best. 'They won that tournament, and that’s when we decided to go to nationals and actually compete with everybody else,' she said. That win kickstarted months of training and preparation for the big stage. They had to go through multiple tournaments all year to get their chance, and each step helped them get stronger and more prepared.
Training like pros at 14 and 15
Even at their young ages, Reagan and Myah treated the sport with professionalism. They trained nearly every day, incorporating weight training, speed drills, and skill development into their routine. Locally, they also played regularly in leagues at Volleyball Beach in Ozark. This combination of strength, agility, and technique helped them build the foundation needed to succeed on the national level. Their training wasn’t just about physical conditioning, but also about mastering the skills specific to beach volleyball, such as serving, spiking, and blocking.
Their preparation wasn’t just physical. The duo also studied videos of their competition to understand their opponents and improve their own game. They followed a clean eating plan that focused on vegetables and fresh-pressed juices, which helped them stay healthy and energized. Though they stayed disciplined, there were moments of celebration. 'We eat healthy,' Myah said, 'but we did have ice cream after winning nationals.' These small indulgences served as rewards for their hard work and helped keep their spirits high.
What comes next for the champions
Their victory at the AVP Juniors Nationals Championships earned them an invitation to the AVP Juniors All American Invitational, a prestigious event scheduled for August 15 to 16 in Manhattan Beach, California. At this event, they’ll have the chance to meet and eat with top AVP professionals, take part in training sessions, and perform in front of an audience on the final day. Dr. Sylvara explained, 'They get to interact with the pros, watch them play, and even train alongside them. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience for these girls.'
They also earned a bid to the AVP Juniors West Coast Championships in 2026, which will be held in the same Manhattan Beach location. The future looks bright for both girls. Her passion for the sport is driven by the camaraderie and the joy of improving daily. Reagan’s love for beach volleyball stems from the supportive community and the challenge of getting better every day. 'There are so many great people in the sport,' she said. 'The community is amazing.'
Myah shares similar ambitions. She plans to compete in college as well and is considering a career path in sports psychology or public speaking. Her love for beach volleyball is fueled by the excitement of new experiences and the unique setting. 'I love how you get to play on the beach, by the ocean,' she said. Reagan echoed the sentiment, adding, 'There are so many great people in the sport. The community is amazing.' Their journey from local players to national champions is a source of inspiration for other young athletes in Ozark and beyond. Both girls hope to continue competing at the highest level and eventually make it to the Olympics.