A new partnership, a rapid rise, and now a Beach Pro Tour Challenge gold medal 
Queensland’s Ben Hood and partner Thomas Hodges (Vic) claimed GOLD at the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Challenge event in Nuvali, Philippines over the weekend, going undefeated across the tournament in a standout performance.
Following the retirement of long-time partner Zachery Schubert after the 2025 World Championships, 2024 Paris Olympian Thomas Hodges entered a new chapter in 2026, teaming up with 21-year-old Ben Hood from Gatton.
Blending Hodges’ international experience with the exciting rise of one of Queensland’s emerging beach volleyball talents, the new pairing has quickly built momentum across the Australian and international beach volleyball circuit:
Silver at the opening ABVT round in Glenelg 
Top-five finish at the Coolangatta Futures Strong international showing in Tlaxcala, Mexico And now, Beach Pro Tour Challenge GOLD in Nuvali
Queensland is incredibly proud to see Ben continuing to shine on the international stage alongside Thomas in what is shaping as an exciting new Australian partnership.
We also acknowledge the passing of respected international referee Mariko Satomi during the event in Nuvali and extend our condolences to her family, friends, and the global volleyball community. 🕊️