ST. CHARLES, Mo. - Head coach Alli Duckworth from Lindenwood beach volleyball has announced the addition of volunteer assistant coach Maider Soto to their staff. Lindenwood is coming off a 16-10 record last season led by Soto at the number one pair.

"I am extremely excited to have Mai stay with our program and transition over to the coaching side," said Duckworth. "She took a leap of faith to help us start this program and was a part of many firsts. She will undoubtedly help us this next year with her knowledge as a player and leadership qualities."

Soto was part of the inaugural beach volleyball team at Lindenwood in 2023 and helped the Lions reach the Ohio Valley Conference Championship match last season. Soto had an overall record of 18-6 at the one spot in 2024. She also was named to the All-OVC First Team and the OVC All-Tournament Team.

"Being a part of Lindenwood for the last five years has made me develop a very special connection to the school and the people here," said Soto. "I am excited to continue my academic career at Lindenwood while still being part of the beach volleyball team."

From Getxo, Spain, Soto played her first two seasons at Lindenwood on the indoor women's volleyball team. She then joined the inaugural beach team in 2023 where she had a record of 14-6 while taking home first team All-OVC honors.

Soto joins Duckworth as a volunteer assistant coach for the upcoming 2025 season. For more information go to lindenwoodlions.com.