PORTLAND, Ore. --- The Portland Beach Volleyball team has added Australian standout Sarah Strong to their roster, announced head beach volleyball coach Dylan Hamilton on Tuesday Morning. Strong is the first four-year beach volleyball player to commit with the Pilots.
 
"Sarah has competed at a very high level on the beach, both domestically in Australia, and Internationally on the FIVB Youth Tour," said Hamilton. "She most recently competed in China in the U19 Youth World Championships. She will bring a high level of experience and knowledge to our young and developing beach volleyball team. We are so excited to have her on board!"
 
Strong has competed at the international level on the beach for three years and was ranked in the top-20 at the U19 World Championships. The incoming Pilot has recorded multiple placings at tournaments on the Australian Beach Volleyball tour, including a gold medal finish in the state Queensland Junior Series. She also qualified Australia for the 2018 Youth Olympics in Argentina.
 
"My decision to move to the University of Portland from Australia was based on the amazing level of beach volleyball they offer compared to home," said Strong. "I think the student life at UP also really appeals to me, getting a high-quality education whilst playing in such a beautiful city is definitely one of my life goals."