Edhat Staff
The Olympic dream for Santa Barbara native Miles Evans and his beach volleyball partner, former NBA player Chase Budinger, drew to a close on Monday in Paris, following their match against Norway’s Anders Mol and Christian Sorum in the Round of 16.
The defending gold medalists secured the win with scores of 21-16 and 21-14, marking the end of the road for the American pair in this year’s Games.
Evans, whose volleyball journey took him from Dos Pueblos High School through Santa Barbara City College to UC Santa Barbara, described the experience of competing in the Olympics as unparalleled, especially at the scenic venue nestled beside the Eiffel Tower. Despite the pair’s exit with a 2-3 record, their participation in the event has been filled with memorable moments against a picturesque backdrop that exceeded their expectations.
Reflecting on the experience, Evans expressed his awe and appreciation for the opportunity. “We’ve been hyping this up for so long, and it definitely exceeded expectations. This is by far the coolest thing I’ve ever done in my entire life,” he shared with reporters post match. Evans also harbors hopes of making it to the 2028 Olympics to relive yet another incredible experience.
Budinger, transitioning from his basketball career to beach volleyball, echoed similar sentiments, ranking the experience among his greatest moments in sports. The unique setting under the Parisian lights and the sparkling Eiffel Tower offered unforgettable memories for the athlete.
With their performance in Paris, Evans joined the ranks of Santa Barbara natives who have graced the Olympic stage in beach volleyball, including gold medalists and top international contenders, and continued the city’s legacy of producing top-tier volleyball talent.
Despite a promising start in the first set against Mol and Sorum, Evans and Budinger couldn’t sustain their momentum against the Norwegian duo’s strategic plays, which have kept them at the top of their game since 2016.
In another Round of 16 match, Americans Miles Partain and Andy Benesh delivered an impressive performance, defeating Italy’s Sam Cottafava and Paolo Nicolai, to advance to the quarterfinals, keeping U.S. hopes alive in the tournament.
Evans and Budinger’s run at the Olympics might have ended, but their journey left them with memories and experiences that will last a lifetime, symbolizing not only personal achievement but also the enduring spirit of Santa Barbara’s volleyball community.
Watch highlights from the match here.
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