We are proud to announce Leona Kernen as new Swatch Proteam athlete

13 March 2025

Talented Swiss volleyball defender steps onto the court alongside Tanja Hüberli.

We are excited to announce that Swiss beach volleyball rising star Leona Kernen has joined the Swatch Proteam, stepping into the spotlight to join Tanja Hüberli, our Swatch Proteam athlete and bronze medalist from the 2024 Olympic Games. Leona takes over from Tanja’s former partner and fellow Olympic bronze medalist Nina Brunner.

At just 19 years old, Leona has already received considerable national and international success in the world of beach volley. The Bernese Oberland native started playing volleyball at the age of just 9, but soon switched to the sand.

Since then, she has earned the title of Junior Swiss Champion in the U15 and U17 categories and Swatch MVP multiple times. Over the past three years, she has won top placements in Junior European and World Championships including placing third in the Elite Swiss Championship in Bern and earning six podium finishes at the Emmi Caffè Latte Beachtour.

Leona and Tanja, our new dynamic volleyball duo, have already started training with the ultimate aim of qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games.

Whether she’s diving for a game-saving dig or staying cool under pressure, Leona’s dedication to her game is inspiring. She firmly believes in giving her all in everything she does, while never losing sight of the fun and joy in life. For her, time flies by as she embraces each day as a chance to learn something new and master life challenges with a smile. This unique mix of talent and zest for life, makes her a perfect match for the Swatch Proteam.

On and off the court Leona continually demonstrates her unique style. Specifically off the court, she wears Swatch watches which she has loved since she was a child. We are excited to welcome her to the Swatch Proteam.

Stay tuned as Leona and Tanja get ready to serve up exciting action on the court this season!

LEONA KERNEN ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Swiss Tour:

2024: 3rd Place Elite Swiss Championship in Bern

6 Podium finishes on the Emmi Caffè Latte Beachtour (2x 1st Place, 1x 2nd Place, 3x 3rd Place)

Multiple-time Junior Swiss Champion in the categories U15 & U17 and 4 times Swatch MVP

International Beach Pro Tour:

2024 & 2022: Participation at the Elite16 Tournament in Gstaad

2024: 4th Place at the Futures Tournament in Spiez

2023: 2nd Place at the Futures Tournament in Austria

Junior World Championships:

2023: 2nd Place U21 World Championship in Thailand