Beach Volleyball sets up for a new season
Hustle, hit and repeat. With only two players on the court at a time in beach volleyball, it is more important than ever for players to be on top of their game. Jan. 23 marks the start of the season for the team, and they continue to prepare for games throughout February and March.
Tryouts this year were especially challenging and competitive, as only 20 players made the team out of 35 total competitors. Tournaments, held by different schools along the coast, force players to compete for playing time and spots on the team because only a select number of players are entered in each tournament.
Each player’s daily performance and mental outlook during practices sway the coaches’ decisions on who is chosen to compete in the tournaments. Taylor Black, freshman, said that it is important to be mentally tough and present on the court. “You have to really have a good mindset and a positive attitude because coaches look at how you are as a teammate and how much work you put in when they decide who is going to play that weekend,” Black said.
Reilly Hees, senior, is a returning varsity player and values a strong bond with her partner on the court. She describes the key to being a successful pair as communication. “Beach volleyball requires closer relationships because you have to be able to work well with whoever your partner is,” Hees said.
Playing in sand, instead of the gym’s wood floor, requires players to have much more endurance and consistency compared to indoor volleyball. “You move really slow in the sand, so endurance is very important,” Black said. The sandy terrain on the beach also does not allow players to wear shoes while playing, unlike indoor volleyball. “You either wear socks or are barefoot,” Black said.
With no line judge watching over, Hees remarks how crucial it is to stay focused and alert during the game. “There are not any referees, so you have to be able to make quick decisions on plays for yourself and be able to stick up for calls,” Hees said.
The best part about beach volleyball compared to playing in a gym is what the beach has to offer after the game. Charley Knupp, freshman, has been playing beach volleyball for four years and recently joined the varsity team. “The best feeling is when you’re sweating and you get to dip in the ocean,” Knupp said.
Beach volleyball requires all-rounded, versatile players who are able to excel in many skills and areas on the court at once. “You have multiple roles, since there are only two of you, so you have to be very dynamic with everything,” Hees said. Consistent training is vital to make sure each player develops enough skills in all departments.
With the blinding sun and rough wind, Black views the outdoor circumstances as a challenge while playing on the beach. “You have to be much more aware of your surroundings because of the different weather conditions,” Black said.
Starting off the season strong, the beach volleyball team continues to work hard and support each other. The players are constantly growing and improving not only as athletes, but as individuals too.
