Caden Phillips: Arizona blocker leading USA from the front

Caden Phillips is cut from a different cloth. He is unbelievably swift on the net and in transitions making him an easy standout on the USA team at the ongoing Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.

While Phillips is an accomplished blocker, his partner Gavin Mortensen is a top defender and the two fit like hand in glove. For Phillips, however, their chemistry goes well beyond their respective roles on the court.

“It’s really great to have such a close friend as my partner. It makes it easier because we have grown so much together and are always on the same page on various issues. We have similar ideas of how we want to play the game, and that’s great to have in a partner,” Phillips told FIVB.com.

Mortensen shares the sentiment, pointing to the years they have spent developing their understanding of each other.

“We’ve been playing together since sixth grade, so we have really built the trust and connection throughout the years, and that matters in beach volleyball,” Mortensen spoke glowingly of Phillips.

That connection has increasingly translated into results. The duo announced themselves on the international stage in impressive fashion this year, winning the NORCECA U18 Beach Volleyball World Championship in April before reaching the Round of 16 at the FIVB Beach Volleyball U18 World Championships in The Hague in July.

For Phillips, Dakar 2026 represents another significant milestone in what has been a breakthrough year.

“I’ve been in the USA development programme for almost a year now, but this year was the first time we got selected for the national team. It’s been an exciting year, and I feel proud to be out here representing my country again,” he offered.

His experience at Dakar 2026 has been particularly special. Phillips was among the USA’s flagbearers during the Games' Opening Ceremony, an honour that took even him by surprise.

“I wasn’t really expecting it, but it was a surreal experience. I was really excited, and for sure it’s my proudest moment as a USA athlete because not many people get selected to do it,” he reflected.

On the court, the challenge has been equally exciting. The Main Draw of Dakar 2026 was teeming with big names such as the reigning World U18 champions Lasse Hüper & Filo Wüst of Germany. Rather than being intimidated by the calibre of opposition, Phillips sees the competition as an opportunity to gauge themselves against the very best.

“USA is a beach volleyball powerhouse, so we have big shoes to fill. We want to do our best and show what we’ve got. I think we have what it takes to go all the way to the finals. Hopefully, we can take some big teams down along the way,” Phillips said confidently.

The conditions at the competition venue, Saly Beach West, have presented their own challenges, with the heat and humidity testing the endurance of competing teams. For Phillips, though, the adjustment has been relatively manageable. Growing up in Arizona, he is accustomed to playing in high temperatures, although the humidity in Senegal has introduced a different dimension.

“It’s affected us just a little bit. We are both from Arizona, and it’s really hot down there. The difference is that in Arizona it’s dry heat, while it’s more humid over here, but we are coping well,” explained the 16-year-old.

Away from the competition, Dakar has also offered Phillips his first opportunity to experience Africa, and the young American has been captivated by the camaraderie of the Senegalese people and the atmosphere surrounding the Games.

“This is my first time in Africa, and I really love the people. Everybody is super nice to us, and it’s super cool to see the diverse culture and environment. It’s amazing to see everybody celebrating this big event,” said a beaming Phillips.

For a young athlete whose sporting journey began with several different pursuits, beach volleyball has clearly become much more than just another sport. He still sees a future on the sand beyond Dakar 2026 and does not rule out pursuing beach volleyball professionally.

“I tried out a bunch of sports before when I was a kid. I played baseball, American football, soccer, but I’ve loved beach volleyball ever since I tried it in sixth grade.

“My older sister also played beach volleyball, but only at club level, and that’s what kind of got me into it. My competitive nature has kept me in the sport, and now my other siblings have also taken it up, so I’m here to stay. It’s addicting and the best by far!” he enthused.