A natural athlete who enjoys working out and eating healthy, even when she's not in season, Akers is one of the Tour's most in-shape athletes. Her accomplishments off the court echo her healthy lifestyle and include completing the Boston Marathon in three hours and 23 minutes.

 

Akers ranked in the top 26 in points in each of her first six seasons on the beach. In 2002, she was named Rookie of the Year.

She began playing with Rachel Wacholder mid-season in 2004, and in their first tournament together the pair placed third at the Huntington Beach Open, marking Akers' first Final Four. In 2005, Akers played with both Jenny Pavley, the 2002 Most Improved Player, and Nicole Branagh, the 2005 Rookie of the Year. In late 2006 she teamed up with Brooke Hanson, and the duo finished the 2007 season especially strong, garnering three Final Fours and a pair of fifths in the last five team events.

 

In the winter of 2004, Akers spent one month playing professionally in Australia, winning two events with Australian partner Kerri Pottharst. She also played there in 2005 with Nicole Branagh.

The 2006 season saw Akers rank seventh on the Tour in both kill percentage (.566) and hitting percentage (.438).

 

In 2009, Akers began her partnership with Tyra Turner. They made three semi-finals on the AVP Tour and four semi-finals on the FIVB Tour, including a bronze medal and a silver medal in the last two events of the season. They finished the 2009 season ranked fifth in the World.

Akers attended the University of Notre Dame and graduated with a BA in Sociology. She is the all-time career ace and kills leader and a three-time All-Conference and All-District player. She was named the team's MVP her senior year. 

 

When she is not on the beach, Akers helps organize visits with the U.S. military abroad. She sits on the Board of Directors for the Warriors Promise Foundation, serving military families in need. 

 

Akers grew up in Ft. Wayne , Ind., with older sister Anne and younger siblings Ali and Kevin. She is sponsored by Real Water and Fubar.