Mexico new heroes Lares and Carlos Andres have what it takes for a bright future
Rising Mexican beach volleyball stars Ines Antonio Vargas Lares and Carlos Andres Ayala Herrera have been real ambassadors for the 2025 FIVB Beach Volleyball U21 World Championships that got underway in Puebla on Wednesday. The fans have been going crazy as soon as the young talents show up on the premises of the event in Cholula, but when they won their opening main draw match on Thursday, the euphoria around them was indescribable.
One can only imagine what it will be like in Mexico if Lares and Carlos Andres continue to follow along the path to the goal they have set for themselves, and that is to win the title. All the prerequisites for that are there – talent, past results, progress, a real beach volleyball legend as a coach, and the fantastic Mexican fans on the stands in Puebla – all sources for confidence and energy on the court.
In front of a packed center court stadium on Thursday, and with legendary Brazilian Ricardo Santos by their side as a coach, the top-seeded home favorites Lares and Carlos Andres achieved an emphatic 2-0 (21-16, 21-14) shutout of Belgium Casper Willems and Alexy Humblet for a perfect start to their campaign in Pool A.
Player Quotes
We are feeling really good. The level is very high here in Mexico and we appreciate that, Carlos Andres told FIVB.com.
The feeling is great! Lares confirmed. We are at home, in front of these great fans, and we managed to show what we can do. But this was only the first step and we are already looking forward to our next game now.
Last year, Lares and Carlos Andres stopped just short of winning a medal at the U19 World Championship in China and finished fourth, still a very prestigious result for the young Mexicans. This year, the 19-year-old athletes have been NORCECA Tour regulars and have already collected four continental medals, including one gold.
With the results in Veracruz we gained more confidence. Maybe that the thing about it – we feel better. With every game we feel more confidence and that very important, Carlos Andres commented.
Coaching Legend Ricardo Santos
Of course, having someone like Ricardo Santos, a four-time Olympian, a three-time Olympic medalist and an Athens 2004 Olympic champion, a 2003 world champion and a three-time World Championship silver medalist, as a coach is another great asset that boosts Lares and Carlos Andres confidence and ambition for a great future.
I love how Anders Mol and Christian Sorum play and they are a source of inspiration for me, Carlos Andres pointed out. And I love the way our coach Ricardo Santos played when he was a player.
First of all, we are eager to win this tournament. This is our main goal for now. Afterwards, we will focus on senior events only and our long-term objective is Los Angeles 2028, Lares summed it up.
Credit: volleyballworld.com
