April's Beach Volleyball Log

U.S. Open of Beach Volleyball Set for September 21-23

With the number of beach volleyball players around the country growing, volleyball legend and three-time Olympic Gold Medalist Karch Kiraly has announced plans for the U.S. Open of Beach Volleyball presented by Corona Extra, which will be played Sept. 21-23, 2007 in Huntington Beach, Calif.

Sanctioned by USA Volleyball and produced by The Elevation Group, the tournament is expected to draw more than 250 volleyball teams in the first year. Tournament play will take place in 15 different divisions, including draws for men, women and co-ed teams. In addition there are plans for two divisions of masters’ categories for both men and women with one division for those players 37 and older and a second one for those 45 and older.

“For years I have wanted to establish an event that would bring serious beach volleyball players together in Southern California, the birthplace of the sport, and thanks to USA Volleyball and Corona Extra that dream will become a reality this year,” Kiraly said. “Just as we did in the old days, the event will showcase the many faces of beach volleyball with men and women competing in two-person and four-person teams. Our hope is that we will be able to bring this great game to more people with a nationwide grassroots approach.”

U.S. Open Details:

Dates: Sept. 21-23, 2007 Divisions of play:

Schedule: Sept. 21-22 -- All divisions except coed Men-

Sept. 23 -- Open Finals Open; M-AA; M-A; M-BB; M-B; 37-plus; 45-plus

Sept. 23 -- Coed 2s and 4s Women- Location: Huntington Beach, Calif. (at the Huntington Beach Pier)

Open; W-A; W-B; 37-plus; 45-plus Entry Fees: $100 per two-person team Coed-

$150 per four-person team Open; A; Four-person Prize Money: $5,000 Men’s Open

$5,000 Women’s Open

$1,000 Coed Open Click US Open Beach Volleyball Event to read on.

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Men's Beach Volleyball: The King Retires

Kiraly says goodbye to volleyball as reported on Chron.com

Karch Kiraly's seemingly endless summers on the sand are just about over.
Kiraly, the man in the pink hat who happens to be the world's most decorated volleyball player, announced Tuesday that this season will be his last on the AVP Crocs Tour.

"I've gotten enough," Kiraly, 46, said by phone from Huntington Beach, where he also announced plans for a grass-roots beach volleyball tournament in September. "I got to play so much more than I ever thought I would.

"It's been an incredible opportunity. I'm lucky to have done it this long."

Kiraly's farewell tour comes 28 years after his first beach tournament victory, with Sinjin Smith at Santa Cruz in 1979. The same year, they helped UCLA win the NCAA indoor volleyball title.

Life really has been a beach for Kiraly. He's won a record 148 tournaments, with 13 partners, and earned more than $3.1 million.

He and Kent Steffes won the first Olympic beach volleyball gold medal at Atlanta in 1996. That went nicely with the Olympic gold medals Kiraly won with the U.S. indoor teams in 1984 and 1988.

Beal Selected to FIVB Board of Administration

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Oct. 25, 2006) – Doug Beal, USA Volleyball chief executive officer, has been elected to the FIVB Board of Administration during the recent 30th FIVB World Congress meeting held in Tokyo. The World Congress met from Oct. 23-25.
Paul Frank at Karmaloop

Other Americans elected to FIVB Commission positions are: Pat Powers – rules of the game; Carl McGown – coaches; Tom Blue – assistant secretary of referees; Dr. Bill Briner – medical; Peter Diamond – president of television and new media; Sinjin Smith – president of the Beach World Council; and Carl Henkel – member of the Beach World Council. Al Monaco, USA Volleyball president, will serve as a member of the International Volleyball Tribunal pending acceptance of his credentials.

For the complete story,click here.
FIVB Announces Junior/Youth World Championship Dates and Sites

Local Celebrity at Karmaloop

FIVB Announces Junior/Youth World Championship Dates and Sites

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Oct. 25, 2006) – The FIVB has announced the dates and sites for four international competitions scheduled for 2007.

The 2007 FIVB Men’s Junior World Championship (U-21) will be held July 7-16 at Casablanca and Rabat, Morocco. The 2007 FIVB Women’s Junior World Championship (U-20) will be held July 19-27 at Suphanburi, Thailand. The 2007 FIVB Boys’ Youth World Championship (U-19) will be held Aug. 15-26 in Baja California, Mexico. The 2007 FIVB Girls’ Youth World Championship (U-18) will be held Aug. 3-12 in Baja California, Mexico.

Information on tryouts for the U.S. teams participating in the 2007 FIVB World Championships mentioned above and all other USA Volleyball High Performance programs will be posted on the USA Volleyball web site by early November.

For the complete story, go to http://www.usavolleyball.org/VolleyballNews/news.asp?id=1364.

Chinese Team 2 Wins FIVB Phuket Open

As reported in the China View Online:

China wins Women's Beach Volleyball in Phuket Open 2006
www.chinaview.cn

BANGKOK, Nov. 5 (Xinhua) -- Chinese duo Xue Chen and Zhang Xi beat compatriot team Tian Jia and Wang Jie on Sunday in the resort island Phuket of south Thailand, to win the title for Phuket 2006 Women's Open, a FIVB World Tour women's professional beach volleyball tournament.

The Phuket Open 2006, held from Nov. 1 to 5 at the island's Karon Beach, is the biggest beach volleyball tournament in Asia, with prize money of 200,000 U.S. dollars. Nearly 50 teams from 25 countries participated in the event.

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Zhang and Xue, the world No. 3 team, beat the world second-ranked pair, Tian and Wang by 21-18 and 21-15 in Sunday's final match.

In the bronze play-off before the final, the reigning Olympic beach volleyball champions, Kerri Walsh and Misty May-Treanor from the United States defeated Norwegian Nila Ann Hakedal and Ingrid Torlen by 21-15, 21-13.

China, Norway & USA Seek Phuket Thailand Open “Final Four” Berths

Phuket, Thailand, November 3, 2006 - With China already guaranteed a spot in the women’s semi-finals of the US$200,000 Phuket Thailand Open, teams from Norway and the United States will vie for another “final four” berth here Friday afternoon on Karon Beach.

For the second-time in the past seven days, Nila Ann Hakedal and Ingrid Torlen of Norway will challenge reigning Olympic champions Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh in a SWATCH-FIVB World Tour event as the Americans posted a 22-20, 17-21 and 15-13 in last week’s semi-finals in Acapulco, Mexico.

The top-seeded May-Treanor and Walsh advanced to the semi-final-qualifying match with the Norwegians with a 22-20 and 21-15 win over eighth-seeded Nicole Branagh and Elaine Youngs of the United States while Hakedal and Torlen out-lasted 21stt-seeded Geeske Banck and Suzanne Lahme of Germany 17-21m 21-13 and 18-16.
Made U Look at Karmaloop
The Norway-USA match follows an All-China semi-final-qualifying match between second-seeded Tian Jia/Wang Jie and third-seeded Xue Chen/Zhang Xi in the eighth SWATCH-FIVB World Tour meeting this season between the two teams.

Tian Jia and Wang Jie have won the last six matches with their Chinese rivals as Xue Chen and Zhang Xi’s only win was in the gold medal match at May’s stop in Shanghai. The Chinese teams are ranked 2-3 on the SWATCH standings between Brazilians’ Juliana Felisberta Silva and Larissa Franca, who withdrew from this week’s event due to injuries.

Tian Jia and Wang Jie opened play Friday with a 21-16 and 21-13 win over 26th-seeded Morgane Faure/Virginie Sarpaux of France while Xue Chen and Zhang Xi posted a 31-29 and 21-11 win over sixth-seeded Rieke Brink-Abeler/Hella Jurich of Germany.

Primp at Karmaloop

The winners of the two semi-final-qualifying matches will watch Saturday’s opening elimination matches while the losers will have another chance to gain a “final four” spot in the finals of the contender bracket. The 15th and final stop on the 2006 SWATCH-FIVB World Tour calendar concludes Sunday with the medal matches where the last two teams compete for the $32,000 first-place prize.

Beach Volleyball Players: Misty and Kerri Win Their 500th Match

First Phuket Thailand Open Match Features an American Milestone


Misty May-Treanor (left) and Kerri Walsh continue winning ways
Phuket, Thailand, November 2, 2006 - An American milestone was achieved here Thursday morning during the opening Main Draw round of the US$200,000 Phuket Thailand Open as reigning Olympic and two-time SWATCH-FIVB World champions Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh netted their 500th career Beach Volleyball win on Karon Beach.

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Seeded first in the 32-team Phuket Thailand Open Main Draw, May-Treanor and Walsh posted a 21-13 and 21-14 win in 32 minutes over 32nd-seeded Yupa Puklongploy and Usa Tenpaksee of Thailand to become the second women’s team to reach 500 career wins in recorded history.
“All wins are significant since each victory means you are advancing in a tournament,” said the 28-year old Walsh, who started playing with May-Treanor in 2001 after both players competed in the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games in different disciplines. “Obviously, the 500 mark is special because it means your partnership is strong. Misty is such a special player and we are both fortunate that we have had a lot of success together.”

May-Treanor left the U. S. National team to start playing full-time on the beach in 2000 when she teamed with Holly McPeak to place fifth in the Sydney Games where Walsh helped the United States to a fourth-place in the Olympic Volleyball competition. Since then, May-Treanor and Walsh have become the winningest women’s team in American history.

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By combining both domestic and SWATCH-FIVB World Tour events, May-Treanor and Walsh have a 91.9 winning percent (500-44) in 93-plus events with 63 titles, 83 podium placements, 85 “final four” appearances and $2,095,415 in winnings.

With the Phuket Thailand Open being May-Treanor and Walsh’s 47th SWATCH start together, the Americans have post a 260-33 international match mark (88.7 winning percent) with $1,087,540 and 24 titles. For 47 domestic events, May-Treanor and Walsh have a 240-11 (95.6%) with $1,007,845 in winnings and 39 title.

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Although records from the Brazilian domestic tour are not available, Adriana Behar and Shelda Bede are the winningest women’s team in Beach Volleyball history. Since starting their international partnership in 1995, Adriana and Shelda have posted a 553-120 match mark (82.2%) for 109 SWATCH-FIVB World Tour events with 31 gold medals, 83 medals, 93 “final fours” appearances and $2,106,765 in earnings.

“We have played a lot of Beach Volleyball this season,” the 29-year old May-Treanor added, “and we are looking forward to relaxing after this week’s event. Both are husbands are here watching us play and we are going to these beautiful surroundings after we finish the competition. Hopefully, we’ll be playing this weekend for another medal.”

In their next Phuket Thailand Open match, May-Treanor and Walsh face 16th-seeded Jennifer Boss and Rachel Wacholder in an All-American confrontation. Boss and Wacholder advanced to the second-round with a 21-19 and 21-17 win in 44 minutes over 17th-seeded Sarah Maxwell and Marie-Andree Lessard of Canada.

Following Thursday’s 32-match Phuket Thailand Open schedule where eight teams will be eliminated, a total of 22 matches will be played Friday when the first two “final four” teams will be determined for the 15th and final stop on the 2006 SWATCH-FIVB World Tour calendar.

The last two elimination rounds Saturday will determine the last two “final four” berths before the afternoon semi-finals. The medal matches will be played Sunday afternoon on the Karon Beach centre court where the last two teams compete for the $32,000 first-place prize.

...fivb news

May-Treanor and Walsh Win Gold in Acapulco

According to USA Volleyball...

May-Treanor & Walsh Complete U.S. Beach Sweep
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – For the first time since the start of the 2003 season, the United States captured a pair of gold medals in a double-gender, SWATCH-FIVB World Tour event as reigning Olympic champions Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh won the women’s title Sunday afternoon in the finals of the US$400,000 Corona Open on the Playa Tamarindos in Acapulco, Mexico.

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In addition to the sweep, May-Treanor and Walsh became the first American women’s team to win a FIVB beach volleyball event in Mexico as Brazilian tandems had posted gold medal finishes in the first three events, including a title by Juliana Felisberta Silva and Larissa Franca in last year’s Corona Open event.

Juliana and Larissa, who defeated May-Treanor and Walsh for the 2005 Acapulco Bay gold medal, placed fourth this year on the Playa Tamarindos after losing the bronze-medal match to fifth-seeded Nila Ann Hakedal and Ingrid Torlen of Norway, 2-1 (16-21, 21-17, 15-9) in 67 minutes.
“First of all, I would like to congratulate the Norwegians for their first-ever medal,” Walsh said. “They played great against us in the semifinals and we were very fortunate to win. Since the Brazilians will not be in the season finale next week in Thailand, we expect we’ll be facing Nila Ann and Ingrid sometime in the Phuket event.”

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Walsh praised Renata and Talita for a strong showing in this year’s event, especially since the Brazilians failed to win a match in the 2005 Corona Open when they placed 25th.
“Like any team from their country, Renata and Talita are a very tough to play. This event was the first time we have ever played them, so they presented us with some problems. They are young, aggressive and will be a challenge for any team on this tour.”

May-Treanor and Walsh shared the $32,000 first-place prize in winning for the third-time this season in seven international beach volleyball events.
The 10th of 10 double gender events on the 2006 SWATCH calendar, the finale Saturday afternoon concluded the men’s 20th FIVB season. The 15th season of women’s SWATCH play ends in Thailand starting Wednesday in Phuket.

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FIVB Members Unite against Rival Volleyball Group.

Here is an article that appeared in the International Herald Tribune about the latest drama concerning the FIVB, it's key members and a rival splinter group threatening to divide the solidarity within the the governing body. Nope, it isn't the AVP! Read on then leave your comments in the Comment Section! TOKYO The FIVB's key members on Monday rallied behind the international volleyball federation as the sole governing body for volleyball and beach volleyball.   On the opening day of its 30th World Congress in Tokyo, all 31 members of the FIVB board of administration responded to the threat of a splinter group by signing a declaration recognizing FIVB as the only worldwide sanctioning body,   "We strongly state our solidarity to the FIVB as the only worldwide governing body of our sport," the declaration stated.   Jean-Pierre Seppey, a former FIVB general manager, is leading a breakaway group that is setting up a rival volleyball federation.   Seppey was fired from his post last August for what FIVB said was embezzling funds through false expense claims. Seppey denied any wrongdoing and has filed suit against the FIVB, seeking damages on the grounds of unfair dismissal.   Seppey has formed the FIABVB, which plans to hold its inaugural congress on Oct. 25-26 in Copenhagen, Denmark.   For more on this story. Click Here!

Incredible article!

For Walsh's Opponents, The End Is Near
Deadspin (Monday September 18, 2006)
If Anna Kournikova would like to get back into competitive sports, may we suggest the Association of Volleyball Professionals Tour? That's beach volleyball, in case you didn't know; two-person teams square off ...

I counted 50 comments to this story from various readers...and none of the comments had anything to do with volleyball. Scary click here to check it out.

Snow on the Beach Volleyball Court?

I've played an FIVB event in the rain and the snow before but that was in Norway, that's understandable but check this out....in Tahoe? Check out this Associated Press article...

Flurries Chill Crowd At Tahoe Beach Volleyball

Sand is expected to fly at a game of beach volleyball.

Snow is not.

But snow it was as defending AVP Pro Beach Volleyball champions Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh took on Annett Davis and Jenny Johnson Jordan yesterday in flurries at Montbleu Resort Casino and Spa on Lake Tahoe's south shore.

Vote for Misty and Kerry at Womens sports foundation website

May-Treanor/Walsh are Finalists for Women's Sports Foundation Award

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 15, 2006) – Beach volleyball stars Misty May-Treanor (Costa Mesa, Calif.) and Kerri Walsh (Santa Clara, Calif.) have been named finalists for the 2005-2006 Women’s Sports Foundation Sportswoman of the Year Award in the team sport category.

A public vote will decide the winners for the award in both the individual and team sport categories. Individuals can cast their votes online at www.sportswomanvote.com. By voting prior to the deadline on Aug. 31, 2006, fans will be entered to win an autographed Billie Jean King tennis racquet.

Next stop for AVP Boulder Colorado

The AVP returns to Boulder for the final event of the 2006 Cuervo Gold Crown.  Players are sure to bring their best game to Boulder Reservoir as the winning teams will bring home the big check worth $50,000.

Defending champions and former partners Rachel Wacholder and Elaine Youngs are both looking to capture the title in front of friends and family.  Youngs calls Durango, Colorado home, while Wacholder attended the University of Colorado at Boulder and was an All-American for the Buffs.

The former partners squared off for the first time last weekend in Brooklyn with Wacholder and new partner Jen Boss defeating Youngs and new teammate Nicole Branagh 13-21, 21-15 and 15-13.

More News about the Elaine Youngs Rachel Wacholder Break up

As reported by Phil Collin for the Daily Breeze- an interesting article about the aftermath of the Elaine Youngs Rachel Wacholder Break up...

Youngs-Wacholder fallout shakes up women's AVP tour

Breakup of second-ranked team will have an impact on several teams beginning with this weekend's Manhattan Beach Open. By Phil Collin Daily Breeze With the intrigue of partner switching during the week of beach volleyball's biggest event, the Manhattan Beach Open gets underway today with the focus on the off-court action as much as what will happen on the court. The AVP Tour's second-ranked women's team of Elaine Youngs and Rachel Wacholder announced this week they had split after some bickering during the course of the season. The team of Jen Boss and Nancy Mason broke up to accommodate the pairing, with Boss taking up with Wacholder. And Youngs, who teamed with Holly McPeak to win the bronze medal in the 2004 Athens Olympics, also said she will join up with Nicole Branagh after this weekend. Branagh, incidentally, has been McPeak's partner this season. So the obvious question is who will McPeak and Mason join with for next week's tournament in Brooklyn? "I'll have to pick somebody with potential and try to develop them. That's been my pattern,'' McPeak said. "(Mason) and I are both in a tough spot. We're both smaller defensive players, so we're very similar. ... To challenge the top teams, you need a blocker.'' McPeak now must try for her third career Manhattan title alongside a partner who has dumped her for the rest of the season. Branagh, 27, was the 2005 AVP Rookie of the Year but has enjoyed a breakout season with McPeak after a slow start. In the last five events, they've finished no lower than third and are seeded second when they open play this morning. "Nicole and I were making a lot of progress and I hung with her during some tough times during the season, when she was having physical issues, cramping issues,'' McPeak said. "We started having some great results and I felt pretty good about our team. I think Nicole did as well. "But the Rachel-EY fallout created a lot of new issues.'' All of the switches play right into the hands of top-seeded Kerri Walsh and Misty May-Treanor, who could take advantage of the turmoil to claim their third Manhattan crown. Walsh and May-Treanor have won eight of the 10 events this year, falling twice (in Hermosa Beach and Atlanta) to Wacholder and Youngs.

tags: womens beach volleyball misty may treanor kerry walsh gold medalists nicole branagh holly mcpeak jenn boss nancy mason hermosa beach atlanta players

Chinese Win First Place in Klagensfurt Austria

Tian Jia/Wang Jie win gold medal in world beach volleyball tour
People's Daily Online (Sunday August  6, 2006)
China's Tian Jia and Wang Jie captured their first international beach volleyball gold medal Saturday before a jam-packed Lake Woerthersee center court crowd of nearly 8, 000 fans in Klagenfurt, Austria .

Click here for details.

tags: girls womens beach volleyball tian jia wang jie klagenfurt austria

Wacholder 5th, Youngs 2nd at Manhattan Beach Open

Rachel Wacholder finishes fifth while Youngs finishes 2nd at the Manhattan Beach Open this year. For more on the story...

By Mike Sciacca

Wacholder, Boss place at Manhattan Beach Open
Laguna Beach Coastline Pilot (Friday August 18, 2006)
It was a different feeling for Rachel Wacholder when she took the sand last weekend in Manhattan Beach.

tags: girls radio elaine youngs rachel wacholder manhattan beach open mike sciacca laguna beach coastline beach players

Wacholder and Youngs Split wasn't Pretty

In an article in the Cincinnati Enquirer details are given about "the split".

Women's volleyball duo splits before Open

BY JACOB DIRR | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER

In the 2005 Cincinnati Open, Rachel Wacholder and Elaine Youngs upset the world's top women's volleyball duo, Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh, and entrenched their status as two of pro volleyball's best.

But when they return for the 2006 AVP Crocs Cup Cincinnati Open, Aug. 31-Sept. 3 at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason, Wacholder and Youngs will not defend their crown together.

They stopped their 18-month partnership, which landed them a No. 2 AVP ranking, last week after Youngs told Wacholder she was through during a match in Paris, Wacholder said Wednesday.

"She just yelled it during the match, among other things," Wacholder said.

E-mail jdirr@enquirer.com

For more on the story click here.

tags: girls rachel wacholder elaine youngs cincinnati open misty may treanor kerry walshcincinnati enquirer beach players

Kerry Walsh #10, Gabrielle Reece #3 in Poll on Askmen.com

According to Askmen.com two Beach Volleyball players made it into their Top Ten Poll of Women who have used their Physiques to Further the Popularity of their sport.

As quoted from Askmen.com:

"For years, women in sports have been fighting an uphill battle on the road to respect. The caveman attitude of the past has been that women belong on the sidelines rather than between them, and those who did venture onto the playing field were unattractive butches. That has changed through the years, most notably because a bevy of beauties made jaws drop as they conquered their respective sports.

The following women embraced the idea that femininity and athleticism are not mutually exclusive terms. They have conducted themselves in a way that shows they don’t apologize for looking -- and playing -- the way they do. Some close-minded people may claim that these women have peddled their sex appeal in a way that detracts from the sport itself. The truth is that these women have mostly used their looks to bring positive attention to their sport. "

To read the poll click here.

Here is my two cents...

"That has changed through the years, most notably because a bevy of beauties made jaws drop as they conquered their respective sports."

I define "conquered their respective sport" as having won an Olympic medal - a World Championship, a Wimbledon or an International major competition with World ranking qualification points OR received a Number one ranking in the World in your respective sport. To me.... if you havent done that ...then you haven't "conquered" your sport.

So then my next question is ...if you are a great athlete, a promising competitor, a contender who happens to be a gorgeous human being and you make a decision to pose naked in a Men's magazine...and you haven't achieved any of the above qualifications...are you really doing it to promote your sport? or are you posing for personal gain, to increase your name recognition for more endorsement options, and brand awareness? That is my question.

Out of the ten women named in the poll very, very few Champions won an Olympic medal or Wimbledon or Women's World Cup AND chose to pose in Playboy.

Isn't being the best in the World or a World Champion enough to promote your sport, anymore? Everyone is free to do what they want... just be honest about WHY you are doing it is my point. Anyone can hire a PR manager that will put a spin on whatever it is that you do promotionally. What still counts is what an athlete does when she is on the court. Can she win?

I'm just sayin'.....

Comments are welcome here.

Elaine Youngs Appointed to USA Volleyball Board of Directors

as reported by USA Volleyball...

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Elaine Youngs, a stand-out player on the beach for a decade, has been appointed to the USA Volleyball Board of Directors, according to USAV President Al Monaco.

Youngs, who will begin her term July 1, fills an at-large vacancy on the board and will represent beach players.

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Click Below for Full Story:
http://www.usavolleyball.org/VolleyballNews/news.asp?id=1167

tags: girls radio elaine youngs usa usav volleyball board of directors beach players

Boxed" a short film by Volleyball player Jen Sharp

Last night I went to check out a short film by beach volleyball player Jen Sharp.

She directed, wrote and produced the film called "BOXED". Be sure to check out her film trailer at http://www.boxedmovie.com/. It's excellent!

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Jen moved to Los Angeles 3 years ago and $25,000 later she produced her first film which I thought was very very good. "Life changing" as another viewer put it but I completely agree, life changing.

Boxed (World Premiere)

Director: Jennifer Sharp Runtime: 12 minutes/USA Olivia Baker possesses a box that she’s carried everywhere since childhood. A film about the baggage from our past that interferes with our future.

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Check out my category "Volleyball Business Owners" which contains a link to Jen's site!

Be sure to Support the volleyball business owners.

tags: girls jen sharp boxed movie 

rachel and elaine beat misty and kerry at hermosa beach open

Elaine Youngs and Rachel Wacholder upset Misty May and Kerry Walsh at the AVP Hermosa Beach Open. click here for details

tags:

girls womens beach volleyball misty may kerry walsh elaine youngs rachel wacholder rich quinn sports photography  volleyball team womens sports fivb olympic world champions

misty may photos at avp hermosa beach

check out this very cool photo of mist may laying out in a defensive play during this weekend's AVP Hermosa Beach tourney.the reflection of her defensive play can be seen in her glasses. great shot by rich quinn.

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here is another well timed defensive play from misty during the finals captured by Rich Quinn.

by RichQuin77

tags:

girls womens beach volleyball misty may rich quinn sports photography  volleyball team womens sports fivb olympic world champions

Suzanne Stonebarger & Michelle More at Hermosa Open

Great article on Michelle More and Suzanne Stonebarger in the Daily Breeze.

They are also featured the this months LA magazine "944".

tags:

girls volleyball usa volleyball nsuzanne stonebarger michelle more 944 avp tour womens sports girls sports olympics beach

Hilton Hotels Sponsors the AVP

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AVP & Hilton Hotels Corporation Announce Sponsorship Agreement; ~ Agreement Makes Hotelier the 'Official Hospitality Partner' of the AVP ~

LOS ANGELES, May 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour, Inc., a wholly- owned subsidiary of AVP, Inc. (OTC:AVPI) (BULLETIN BOARD: AVPI) , a lifestyle sports entertainment company focused on professional beach volleyball, and Hilton Hotels Corporation, recognized internationally as a preeminent hospitality company, have announced a new sponsorship deal for the 2006 AVP Crocs Tour season. This deal will make the Hilton Family of Hotels, including its Hilton Garden Inn(R) brand and flagship brand Hilton Hotels, the "Official Hospitality Partner of the AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour," the national touring series that features more than 200 of the nation's top male and female professional beach volleyball players. Beginning this season, the Hilton Family of Hotels is taking hospitality to new heights at AVP tournaments by hosting city officials, celebrities, top-level AVP sponsors and promoters inside the Hilton Family AVP Sponsor Hospitality Tent where attendees can gather above center court to watch the pro-beach action while enjoying free beverages, a full upscale buffet station and hand-waited hors d'oeuvres. The deal also provides AVP with rooms at Hilton Family-owned or managed properties including Hilton, Conrad, Doubletree, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Inn, Homewood Suites by Hilton, and the Waldorf=Astoria Collection(TM). "We are extremely excited to announce this new partnership between the Hilton Family of Hotels, the most recognizable hotel and hospitality chain in the world, and the AVP Crocs Tour," said Leonard Armato, CEO and tour commissioner. "The deal will allow us to provide our players, sponsors, partners and fans with world-class hospitality as they compete in and attend events throughout the season. We look forward to building this partnership in the years to come." "Athletes, staff, and fans of the AVP Crocs Tour are on the road all summer long," said Mary Beth Parks, vice president of marketing, Hilton Family of Hotels. "We are happy to provide the quality and value offered by the Hilton Family of Hotels to the AVP and look forward to showcasing our excellence in hospitality at AVP Crocs Tour events throughout the 2006 season." To activate its sponsorship in local communities, The Hilton Family is working with the AVP to host a series of free "Hilton AVP Youth Volleyball Clinics," where local youth volleyball players and hotel guests in select tour stops will have the opportunity to meet and further hone their volleyball skills with 2004 Olympic medalist Elaine Youngs and AVP's reigning defensive player of the year Rachel Wacholder. The pair have also struck individual sponsorship deals with The Hilton Family of Hotels, Hilton Hotels and Hilton Garden Inn.

tags:girls sports rachel wacholder hilton hotels corporation avp pro beach volleyball tour avp crocs tour hilton garden inn elaine youngs doubletree embassy suites hotels hampton inn homewood suites waldorf astoria hilton avp youth volleyball clinics usa volleyball

Misty May Treanor Surpasses the Million Dollar Mark

Misty May-Treanor Surpasses $1,000,000

With her victory in the Cuervo Gold Crown Huntington Beach Open last weekend, Misty May-Treanor became just the second AVP Women to surpass $1,000,000 in career earnings. Misty and Kerri Walsh have won all four AVP events this year, dropping just five games along the way

iPod (30GB) - Black

tags:girls sports misty may treanor usa volleyball kerry walsh kerri walsh cuervo gold crown huntingdon beach volleyball 

iLife '06

Kerry & Misty win at Huntingdon

Kerry and Misty get their 51st title at the AVP Huntingdon Beach Open.

Give Dad a Personalized iPod. Free Laser Engraving and Shipping. Shop Now at the Apple Store.

For more on the story click here.

tags: kerry walsh misty may treanor avp huntingdon beach open womens beach volleyball usa volleyball 

Local athlete Rachel Wacholder returns to Huntingdon Beach this weekend

Rachel Wacholder returned this week to the site of one of her most stirring victories in professional beach volleyball.

Click here for the story.

Photo by Holly Stein from AVP website

tags: rachel wacholder AVP Huntingdon Beach beach volleyball

So It Was a "Bet"!

So, a couple of players were wondering just what was Molly Sims doing "trying out" for an AVP volleyball team? The way the press release was worded it was really weird for anyone to say or have their press agent write that they are "trying out" for a volleyball team ....AT a qualifier event.

Special Cakes for Special Occasions

                   A valiant and courageous effort. And Amber Willey was a good sport to participate but I'm not sure how many pro players would give up the opportunity to play in a real bona fide AVP tournament to participate in a publicity stunt with someone who has never touched a volleyball in front of lots of TV cameras.

Gourmet Birthday Cakes at BakeMeAWish .com!

According to Molly later interviewed on local TV she said that a friend had bet her that she wouldn't play in the AVP tournament so she accepted the bet and contacted the AVP to see if she could play this weekend.

That takes courage. 

tags: molly sims amber willey AVP Huntingdon Beach 2006 

Bullies of the Beach

They Are Bullies of the Beach

Los Angeles Times (Friday May 26, 2006)

When Misty May-Treanor and Kerry Walsh won their 50th beach volleyball tournament last week in Santa Barbara, it marked a rather significant milestone: No other American women's team has won as many and it is ...

Click here for the story.

High protein diet? Delicious low-carb hors d' oeuvres at appetizerstogo.com

tags: misty may treanor kerry walsh latimes.com AVP Santa Barbara 2004 Athens Olympics 2008 Beijing Olympics washington post  april chapple womens beach volleyball AVP Santa Barbara

Leila Barros Brazilian Champion

 

Strength and Beauty Brazilian Style

Leila Barros, Brazilian FIVB Indoor Olympian and Beach Volleyball Champion.

tags: leila barros  olympic brazilian womens volleyball brzilian beach volleyball leila barros fan club womens beach volleyball AVP tour 

Ex Model "Vegas" Star Molly Sims to play in AVP Huntingdon Beach Open

According to Contactmusic.com Molly Sims the former model and current star on the show Las Vegas is playing in the AVP Huntingdon Beach Open. I guess we will find out tomorrow.

photos from http://msims.kmmod.com/

Falyn and I play against Carrie Wright and Helen Reale. Always happens -playing against people we know or practice next to. Geez.                                                    

tags: carrie wright helen reale falyn fonoimoana molly sims april chapple womens beach volleyball AVP Crocs Huntingdon Beach coach

Canadians with surprise upset of top Brazilian team

Wed, 2006-05-24 16:52                              

Sports News

SHANGHAI, China (CP) - Annie Martin of Sherbrooke, Que., and Kara Zakrzewski of Toronto earned a spot in the main draw of the $400,000 US China Shanghai Jinshan Open beach volleyball tournament Wednesday after upsetting top-seeded Brazilians Ana Paula Connelly and Leila Barros in qualifying.

fotos by Francois Minh

The 23-21, 21-16 win came after a 17-21, 21-16, 15-8 victory over Kamoltie Kulna and Jarunee Sannok of Thailand earlier in the day.

"I think our service game was the key," Martin said. "We did not force the action and played well throughout."

tags: annie martin kara zakrzewski ana paula connelly leila barros francois minh  canada beach volleyball world beach volleyball sports fivb kamoltie kulna jarunee sannok thailand volleyball  volleyball AVP Crocs Huntingdon Beach coach

Misty May Treanor & Kerry Walsh Make History

Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Make History

Become the First Women's Team in Beach Volleyball to Capture 50th Career.

tags: misty may treanor kerri walsh avp tour fox news latimes.com daily breeze.com avp crocs tour sports entertainment usa volleyball hall of fame olympic volleyball april chapple aprilsbeachvolleyballblog.com   

Falyn Fonoimoana

Okay how fun will this be. Falyn Fonoimoana and I will play together in the Huntingdon Beach AVP Qualifier.

What a sweetie... 6'3'' and 13 years old. 13!

Geez I am....how many years? okay never mind how much older I am...young at heart and still feeling good in a bikini is what counts right?

I get to play right side which should be fun! Try anything because change is Good.

tags: falyn fonoimoana avp tour huntingdon beach aprilsbeachvolleyballblog.com   

Brazilians beat May & Walsh in FIVB Italian season opener

MODENA, Italy – At the start of the 15th season of the women’s SWATCH-FIVB World Tour, Juliana Felisberta Silva and Larrisa Franca of Brazil validated their 2005 points championship by defeating reigning Olympic and world champions Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh of the United States for the gold medal Sunday at the US$200,000 Play Station Portable Italian Open on the Foro Boario centre court. (Photo from www.fivb.ch) Click here for more.

tags: fivb swatch fivb world tour juliana felisberta silva larrisa franca brazil misty may treanor kerri walsh united states volleyball play station portable italian open modena italy beach volleyball   aprilsbeachvolleyballblog.com   

Got a fifth in last week tournament

Got a fifth with Vladia last weekend. Had fun but I / we hate losing by two points, especially in the third game.

Victoria Prince debuts in beach volleyball and TV Reality Show

Victoria Prince made her beach volleyball and reality TV series debuts the last month. After this weekend in Reno, Nev., both can be judged a success.

Prince, a two-time Rainbow Wahine All-American, took second with partner Jen Abernathy at the inaugural CSTV Collegiate Nationals Beach Volleyball Championships yesterday.

Just as critical, Prince swears she managed to avoid embarrassing herself while CSTV was filming a reality series around the tournament.

"There were people sniping but was I never involved in any of it," Prince said. "I promised my mom I'd stay out of it."

According to CSTV, the series "will document the top 16 women's collegiate senior volleyball players on and off the sand as they transition from the hard-court to the beach game." It was filmed this weekend and during a three-day AVP Invitational Camp held in March in Manhattan Beach, Calif.

The final scen!
es will be shot when Paula Gentil and Bibiana Candelas, who beat Prince and Abernathy, 21-18, 21-10, in the championship, play at the AVP Crocs Tour Hermosa Beach Open in June.

Prince returns to school tomorrow and hopes to play the AVP tour. She has been training with tour veterans Janice Harrer, Heidi Ilustre and Tanya Fuamatu at Waikiki since her UH career ended in December, trying to regain her passing and setting skills.

"I've been telling everybody I can pass," Prince said. "They just never gave me a chance."

The championships will air on CSTV May 3 and 4 at 3 p.m. HST. It is available on a special digital package in Hawai'i.
------------------

tags: usa volleyball team CSTV victoria prince janice harrer heidi illustre tanya fuamatu bibiana candelas paula gentil jen abernathy rainbow wahine all american aprilsbeachvolleyballblog.com april chapple colorado

Dane Selznick suffers mild stroke

Had a great practice today from 8:30 to 11am with Dave and had scheduled games with Vladia, Bibiana Candelas, Julie Caldwell and Angela Knopf afterwards from 11 to 1:30.

Julie got there first at 11:30 and we were wondering why everybody was so late. Apparently Dane Selznick, coach of the US Olympic Gold Medalist Kerry Walsh and Misty May suffered a mild stroke. I know Bibi trains with Gene, Dane's dad and he wasnt there because obviously he was with his son.

Apparently Dane is up and walking around the hospital already with very little signs of having suffered anything. Hope all is well.   

tags: usa womens volleyball team womens  misty may kerry walsh beach volleyball vladia vignato bibiana candelas angela knopf julie caldwell avp tour aprilsbeach volleyball blog.com april chapple USA volleyball girls volleyball

New Changes starting in Fort Lauderdale

There were alot of changes this year in Fort Lauderdale.

New Sponsor, new partner changes, new moms... read more about the changes made this year so you can keep up with who is doing what. Click here for more. 

tags: usa womens volleyball team womens  fort lauderdale beach volleyball avp tour aprilsbeach volleyball blog.com april chapple nicole branagh girls volleyball

Just got back from fort Lauderdale

Had a great trip to the season opener at Fort Lauderdale. Hope was a good partner who was tough, confident and played well especiallly in the wind. We lost to Nicole Midwin and Jean Matthews who have played together the majority of last season while Hope and I practiced one time two weeks ago.

This was her first AVP tournament which I discovered about twenty minutes before we started to play. She was great and held her own. Personally for me it was a great trip to meet and greet and reacquaint with people I hadnt seen in awhile since I took all of last year off.

Saw alot of old teammmates and hopefuly met some new ones. I took this opportunity to tell players/coaches about my/this magazine and to invite them to participate. I will follow up with them with interview questions so everyone knows how and when to submit "their story" .

Very productive weekend even if I lost my voice dancing as opposed to playing. Danced all night..I dont remember the last time I danced so much. That was fun just to let go.

I took pictures which I will post, attended my first AVP Christian Fellowship Dinner, got alot of emails and made alot of contacts so Im very pleased. 

My partner Hope Ericksson and roommates Makalani Hovey and her partner Stacy Nicks. foto by April

tags: usa womens volleyball team womens  beach volleyball holly mcpeak avp tour aprilsbeach volleyball blog.com april chapple nicole midwin, jean matthews  girls volleyball

The Chinese Beach team to train on California beaches

The Chinese Women and Men's Beach Volleyball team will train here in Los Angeles in order to train in preparation for the 2008 Olympics. See the LA Times Story here. 

tags: chinese womens beach volleyball team usa womens beach volleyball la times avp tour aprilsbeach volleyball blog.com april chapple 2008 Olympics girls volleyball

Holly McPeak gets a new partner

Holly McPeak teams up with Nicole Branaugh to play in the upcoming 2006 season. For more on the story click here.

tags: usa womens volleyball team womens  beach volleyball holly mcpeak avp tour aprilsbeach volleyball blog.com april chapple nicole branagh girls volleyball

What a Week!

Geeez what a week.

This week was the first CBVA tournament of the season. Some players who have been playing all winter participated in this tournament run by Danalee and Brian Corso. I got dumped at the last minute so I needed to find a new partner which was tough with only two days to search.

Found a partner through Cherry who knows everybody. We played. We looked like we should have played well but it took us a while to get into a groove.  At the tournament I I gathered alot of names  and numbers and found out where people are playing around town.

There are a lot of good players that get together in Huntingdon and San Diego so I will be making trips down there this Spring and Summer. Made some good future contacts which is necessary if Im going to reach my goal .

tags: womens beach volleyball team huntingdon beach mission beach san diego aprilsbeachvolleyball blog.com april chapple  avp tour cbva tour girls volleyball 

Annett Davis and Jenny Johnson Jordan return for 2006 season!

Jenny Johnson-Jordan and Annett Davis will return to the Beach in 2006.  Read about their return...

tags:jenny johnson jordan annett davis avp tour beach volleyball aprils beach volleyball blog  usa volleyball beach volleyball news olympic volleyball team beijing olympics

My Interview on XM Radio Power 169

Had a great radio interview on Alvin Jones "TMI" - Mr. Jones is head of the Alvin Jones Communications Group and host of the national radio talk show, "TMI (Too Much Information)" on XM Satellite Radio's channel 169, "The
Power, " The show airs live Monday through Friday 9 PM to 11 PM Pacific Standard time.

Alvin really surprised me with his knowledge on the various female players and what he knew about the sport of indoor and beach volleyball. He was awesome in giving me a platform to request sponsorship for this season and agreed that I should be endorsed! We talked quite a bit about the blog as well.

Thanks Connie for booking me. You are fantastic. Connie aka the "West Coast Eye Candy" covers the West Coast on the show.

I will be reporting regularly from the various AVP tournament sites about  my progress, tour results and what's going on as I play on the AVP Tour this summer. Be sure to check it out!

Click here: XM Radio - The Power  for more information.

tags:xm satellite radio, channel 169, alvin jones, the power, constance adler galloway west coast eye candy, tmi, too much information aprils beach volleyball blog

AVP 2006 Tour Schedule annoounced

AVP Announces 2006 Schedule

LOS ANGELES – AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour, a wholly owned subsidiary of AVP, Inc. (OTC: AVPI.OB), a lifestyle sports entertainment company focused on professional beach volleyball, on Thursday officially announced its 2006 Tour season schedule, which includes two new events, five new cities and a record $3.5 million in prize money. The prize money is split equally between the men and the women and represents a 17 percent increase from last year's purse of $3.0 million.

This season, the AVP Tour will visit 16 cities, including five new additions – Birmingham, Ala.; Sacramento, Calif.; Atlanta, Ga.; Brooklyn, N.Y; and Lake Tahoe, Nev.

Click Below for Full Story:

http://www.usavolleyball.org/VolleyballNews/news.asp?id=1201

tags:beach volleyball, association of volleyball professionals, AVPI.OB, volleyball voices, lifestyle sports, entertainment, summer sports, serve, spike, dig, defense, Olympics, aprilsbeach volleyball blog.com 

New Changes to 2006 FIVB Calendar

NEW CALENDAR UPDATE November 24 2005 Important developments to the 2006 FIVB calendar: New entries to the calendar: Women events in Italy and Poland Additional promoter's prize money for Dubai Date changes for the China, Men's Polish & Porto Santo events

Women's Calendar
Dates	Country	Event	Prize Money US$	Bonus Pool US$	Total US$
April 9-13	Dubai, United Arab Emirates	Open	125,000	100,000	225,000
May 10-14	Modena, Italy (TBC)	Open	100'000	100'000	200'000
May 24-28	Shanghai, China	Open	100,000	100,000	200,000
May 31-June 4	Rhodes*, Greece	Open	100,000	100,000	200,000
June 20-24	Gstaad, Switzerland	Open	100,000	100,000	200,000
June 27-July 1	Stavanger, Norway	Grand Slam	140,000	150,000	290,000
July 4-8	Marseille, France	Open	100,000	100,000	200,000
July 12-16	Montréal, Canada	Open	100,000	100,000	200,000
July 18-22	St. Petersburg, Russia	Open	100,000	100,000	200,000
July 25-29	Paris, France	Grand Slam	140,000	150,000	290,000
August 1-5	Klagenfurt, Austria	Grand Slam	140,000	150,000	290,000
August 30-Sept. 3	Warsaw, Poland	Open	100,000	100,000	200,000
September 13-17	Porto Santo, Portugal	Open	100,000	100,000	200,000
Septembre 19-23	Victoria, Brazil	Open	100,000	100,000	200,000
October 11-15	Cape Town, South Africa	Open	100,000	100,000	200,000
October 25-29	Acapulco, Mexico	Open	100,000	100,000	200,000
November 1-5	Phuket, Thailand	Open	100,000	100,000	200,000

tags:

phuket thailand  acapulco mexico physical conditioning cape town south africa exercise modena italy avp tour victoria brazil warsaw poland porto santo portugal usa volleyball olympic volleyball aprils beach volleyball blog paris france klagenfurt austria st petersberg russia montreal canada shanghai china rhodes greece dubai united arab emirates gstaad switzerland girls volleyball

Australians Launch New Beach Volleyball Center

New beach volleyball centre launched

Australia's new national beach volleyball training program has been launched in Adelaide, with leading athletes saying it will increase Australia's gold medal chances at the Beijing Olympics.

The National Centre of Excellence is based at the South Australian Sports Institute at suburban Kidman Park, and has three coaches, who will train up to 20 live-in or visiting athletes.

Sydney Olympic gold medallist, Natalie Cooke, says the centre will take beach volleyball into a new era.

For more ...click here.

tags:

natalie cook sydney olympics beach volleyball south australian sports institute australia beijing olympics

Poles and the precarious pipe fitter

As with most things in Korea, anything that you want done usually takes a few tries until it's done properly and always takes time.  I recently had to undergo the venture of getting poles made for the volleyball net that I had so that the small by loyal league of players at Haeundae Beach could continue to play.  The venture began simply enough with a visit to a pipe fitter and what seemed like a simple request became as complicated as understanding quantum mechanics.  We were after all, both speaking different languages.  I was speaking the language of sense and sensibility

"I need two metal poles cut that I can place on top of each other, with a hook welded to the top two poles".  He was speaking the language of nonsense and chaos.  Pulling out everything from PVC plastic to steel piping - "cut how?" "Joined how?" "A hook??????" He brought in a translator who spoke no English other than to say "I translate." I ended up leaving him for 2 days to sort out the logistics and ended up with "the leaning poles of Pusan".  Four very heavy steel poles cut to 140cm each, held together by a sink joint that screwed the pipes together.... worked in theory I suppose just like communism and we know what happened there. 

The hooks to hold the net had been the major problem. "big hooks, medium hooks, no drill, welding???"  I ended up with two large hooks welded on to the top poles and that is how the leaning poles of Pusan were born.  After the first day of use it was evident that they just weren't functional and it was time to see the pipe fitter again.  This time I brought reinforcements.  Two other foreigners to experience the joys of Korean customizing.  "It doesn't work"  I told him as I held up the sink joints.  From that point what proceeded could only be topped by McGiver, after all, a man who can build a welding gun out of a piece of wire and a shoelace is worthy of honourable mention. 

The pipefitter came back a few minutes later with a new joint that the two halves could easily slide into.  Very good I thought - this will work.  "Ok?" He asked.  "Yes!" was the emphatic response and then he walked away.  "Wait a minute!" The joint was the same size as the pipes so it slid all the way down from the top to the bottom.   It would have to be secured at one end, either welded or screwed in.  He examined it closely and considered the predicament.  "TApe!" He said proudly.  "What!" Who was this guy, Red Green? "Tape, No!"  After another 30 minutes of negotiating and the assistance of 5 other Korean males who worked in the shop, it was agreed that the joint would have to be attached.  "Drill - NO!" he said, "Welding - NO!"  I finally figured out why he was so hesitant to weld or drill as I saw that he was missing some of his fingers.  As the 5 men stood staring at the poles as though they were the 'golden calf' with all the answers, my buddy Matt figured it was as good a time as any to pose the question "How many Koreans does it take to screw in a lightbulb?"  At this juncture we really couldn't come up with a number but figured it would have to involve at least 1 scholar, a bureaucrat, a scientist, a tradesman, a conscriptee to stand guard and of course a translator amongst others. 

One of the younger men who had been standing amongst the crowd had an epithany.  "Drill!"... this must have been the scholar.  Next the scientist examined the joint and after removing it and placing it back on the pole, determined the point at which the screws should be placed.  The bureaucrat stood by and listened to the scientist and the scholar and nodded in agreement.  The tradesman went and got his drill and the conscriptee stood by.  When it was all over about 3 minutes later and the new joints were attached, poles ready to go, the translator popped his head out of the office.  "I translate for you" he said.  "OK" I said "tell them thank you for all the hard work".  He looked at me quizzically and said nothing.  After an hour and a half my friends and I bowed politely, waved goodbye and headed to the beach to put the new poles to work.  Now as I sit and gaze fondly at my Korean handcrafter volleyball poles, I marvel that they are functional and think back with fondness of the fingerless tradesman wondering what else I could possibly get made here.  I wonder how long it would take to get some new curtains made.

Olympic Gold Medalist Kerry Walsh marries Beach Pro Casey Jennings

Gold Medalist Kerry Walsh married AVP Pro Casey Jennnings this past Sunday in Palm Springs. Misty May her partner's parents were responsible for introducing the two - the day Kerry tried out as Misty's partner. For more on the ceremony click here.

tags:

kerry walsh people summer olympics celebrities beach volleyball casey jennings gold medal

united press international misty may wedding ceremony

Misty May-Treanor Named SWATCH-FIVB Most Outstanding Player

Congratulations to Misty May Treanor who was voted the FIVB's Most Outstanding Player for 2005.

For more on the story click here.

tags:

usa volleyball misty may fivb girls volleyball

Filipino Americans playing in the 23rd Biannual SEAG Games

AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Pro players Heidi Illustre and Diane Pascua are representing the Philipines in the 23rd Southeast Asian Games. Heidi is ranked 7th on the AVP Pro Beach Volleyball tour.Click here for more.

tags:

southeast asian games kieron tan photographer asian volleyball malaysian volleyball

diane pascua heidi illustre

SEAG: Volleyball

SEAG: Volleyball, originally uploaded by kieron.

Vietnamese jum serves against the Phillipines defenders.

Photo by S. Kieron Tan

SEAG: Beach Volleyball

SEAG: Beach Volleyball, originally uploaded by kieron.

Mai Thi Hoa of Vietnam getting ready to serve.

Photo by S. Kieran Tan

SEAG: Beach Volleyball

SEAG: Beach Volleyball, originally uploaded by kieron.

Jarunee Sannok spikes one down.
Photo by S. Kieron Tan

SEAG: Beach Volleyball

SEAG: Beach Volleyball, originally uploaded by kieron.

Beh Shun Thing of Malaysia jump serves.
Photo by S. Kieron Tan

SEAG: Beach Volleyball

SEAG: Beach Volleyball, originally uploaded by kieron.

Kamoltip Kulna of Thailand getting ready to serve

Photo by S. Kieron Tan

tags:

southeast asian games kieron tan photographer asian volleyball malaysian volleyball

The 23rd Southeast Asian Games

The 23rd Southeast Asian Games began on November 25th with 11 different countries sending their best athletes to Bacolod in the Phillipines to compete in this bi-annual event.

The photographer, S. Kieron Tan has taken some really beautiful shots of the women's indoor and beach volleyball action.

Check out some of the photos of the various competitiors from the 11 different Asian nations that are currently participating.

Good luck to Diane Pascua who is competing for the Phillipines. She also plays on the AVP Tour!

tags:

diane pascua kieron tan southeast asian games asian volleyball olympic volleyball aprils beach volleyball blog  vietnamese volleyball setters thai+volleyball practice 

Did She Get It?

Did She Get It?, originally uploaded by fxdirect.

Just thought this was a great shot of Rachel Wacholder, Elaine Youngs passing in the foreground and Holly McPeak watching on the other side of the net. This photo was Taken last year by fxdirect.

tags:

rachel wacholder elaine youngs holly mcpeak photography avp tour

Olympic Gold Medalist Natalie Cook's website

Check out Olympic Gold Medalist Natalie Cook's website. Natalie and her partner Nicole Sanderson just signed the largest endorsement/sponsorship deal (man or woman) in beach volleyball history.

For 1.5 million dollars over four years...

tags:

nicole sanderson natalie cook australian beach volleyball usa volleyball olympic volleyball aprils beach volleyball blog girls volleyball setters volleyball practice 

Australian Beach Volleyballers 'declare war' on Misty and Kerri

Beach volleyballers 'declare war'

DYNAMIC beach volleyball duo Natalie Cook and Nicole Sanderson have declared war on US foes Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh after signing a $1.5 milion  dollar sponsorship deal- the largest in beach volleyball history! Click here for more details.

tags:

usa volleyball olympic volleyball aprils beach volleyball blog girls volleyball setters volleyball practice misty may kerry walsh fivb

Misty and Kerry making the game look simple

I pasted below my reply to Grace's post on Misty and Kerry making the game look so simple.

"That is a great goal to have. And you will be a great player like them. The reason that they can make things look so simple is because of the discipline they have...to practice.

Even when you dont feel like it, even when you are the only one who wants to, even if everybody else is doing something that you may want to do...you just decide that you love the game sooo much, and you want so badly to get better at it...that you practice and practice and practice.

Practice can mean very simple ball control drills like setting to yourself while you are laying in bed. Set a goal for yourself, say 10 in a row then the next week 20 in a row then 30 while laying in the bed and the ball just goes up and down on top of your foreheadand your hands form a loose triangle and you develop a soft "touch".

Or even a wall drill where you hit the ball against the wall or set to the wall a certain amount of times every night before going to bed to improve yur ball control and to make sure you are getting underneath the ball to set with your legs -not just your arms every single time.
When you do that for several weeks in a row...then severla months in a row.. then things start to seem easier because of course...you are practicing them until you can do some fundamentals in your sleep or with your eyes closed.

April

tags:

usa volleyball olympic volleyball aprils beach volleyball blog girls volleyball setters volleyball practice mmisty may kerry walsh fivb 

USA Women win Silver at Grand Champions Cup!

USA Women Capture Silver Medal at Grand Champions Cup

NAGOYA, Japan – The USA Women’s National Volleyball Team capped an outstanding week by sweeping Japan and taking the silver medal at the FIVB World Grand Champions Cup Sunday at Nagoya Rainbow Hall.

Nancy Metcalf ( Hull, Iowa) scored a match-high 21 points to lead four players in double figures as the United States posted a 28-26, 25-23, 25-16 victory to finish the tournament with a record of 4-1. The Americans earned wins over Korea, 2004 Olympic gold medalist China, Poland and Japan along the way.

For more information click here.

tags:

usa volleyball olympic volleyball aprils beach volleyball blog girls volleyball

May and Walsh finish season with Gold Medal in south Africa

USA’s May-Treanor and Walsh Cap FIVB Season with Gold Medal

CAPE TOWN, South Africa – Reigning Olympic and world champions Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh ended the 2005 SWATCH-FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour season with another title as the Americans avenged their only international gold medal defeat in the past 27 months to win the South Africa Open here Sunday.

For more info click here.

tags:

usa volleyball olympic volleyball aprils beach volleyball blog girls volleyball

Beach Volleyball Korean Style

This is a great story submitted by a Canadian Player/Coach about Volleyball in Korea... This is greeat! Check It Out!!!

Beach Volleyball Korean Style

When I came to Pusan South

Korea

2 years ago there was a megalomaniac running the single court that was available and he'd only let players who could play at a pro level step on his court.  Since there aren't many players who retire from a pro circuit to move to

Korea

he never had enough people to play a game so he spent the bulk of his time showcasing his skills with drills. 

In

Korea

where anything that foreigners or 'waygooks' do is a spectacle, there was always a crowd and ample applause for a jump serve but no one to play with.  When he left later that season to move to another part of

Korea

, he left the beach volleyball set that he had fashioned from bits and pieces of found materials for me to use with the warning that I'd never find enough people to play. 

My first season running the program he was almost right because the rumors had spread and everyone knew that unless you were a proficient player there was no point in heading to Haeundae beach to step on the court.  My goal was to get the novice players out and teach them how to play so that there would be a large pool of players to expand the program.  I put an ad up on the

Pusan

web advertising a volleyball program that welcomed everyone regardless of skill to come to Haeundae beach to play pick up games or attend a clinic to learn the basic or intermediate skills of the game.  It worked and I had 10 players regularly attending the first season.  This brought the megalomaniac back to

Pusan

. Angry that not just pros were playing, he promptly picked up the equipment that he had left behind and closed down the program. 

Determined not to let beach volleyball die, I found an umbrella maker who could fashion some beach volleyball poles (a story unto itself) to hang the nets that I had brought over from

Canada

with me when I first arrived in

Korea

.  The new poles were heavy and awkward but did the job.  In our second season the program continued to grow to over 100 players from all over

Korea

.  The program was extended to include tournaments and this past year I joined with the Marriott hotel in

Pusan

to put on the first annual Haeundae beach open that encouraged the foreign and Korean communities to play together. 

Our seasons are long running from March to December when the sand gets too chilly to play in.  Numb toes just don't make it easy so we've shut the program down until March 2006.  I'm hoping that next season will be even better than the one that just passed with another expansion of the program and will hopefully bring more Korean players into the fold.  In the off season I'll be attempting to get some new equipment on a short trip back to Canada - it's time to retire the old awkward poles and actually get a pro system that's compact and can travel.  In the end the cost of the new equipment is outweighed by the love of the sport and the enjoyment that the program brings to the foreign community and the Korean spectators. 

The

Haeundae

Beach

open also promises to grow into an International tournament with continued commitment from the Marriott hotel which is something that

Korea

would benefit from.  There are a lot of Korean players out there who have yet to venture into the sand.  The program here in

Korea

is totally non-profit (I should know) but brings people from different backgrounds and cultures together under the umbrella of beach volleyball which truly is an international sport and language. 

Queen of the Beach 2 Playa del Rey

Played this weekend in the second Queen of the Beach sponsored by Aprils Assigns Athletic Apparel  and, New Life Spring .

Susan did a great of a job organizing this. The score sheets were amazing it was so well organized. All the players had to do was participate.

The competition was great we had some really good plays and rallies and that was because Susan did a fantastic job of seeding everybody and matching everyone  so the games would be evenly matched and they were.

Fifteen participants means we literally played form sun up until sun down. It was great to be the title sponsor as well. I brought goody bags for all the players filled with my Energy bars and my Energy drinks which I sell at my mall so that everyone had some fuel to keep them going.

I made Sally my cashier and she was in charge of sales of  Aprils Assigns clothing. I asked her what should we charge and she said to make it a ten dollar day. so we did.

And it was a great success! Alot of players bought pants which I really lliked. I need to create more inventory because I even have requests and orders. The most popular "assign" seems to be "Behind Every Great Woman...Well See For Yourself. Several people asked for pants with that on it.

Kudos to Melody and Michal and Cherry. since they are my pratice partners at one time or another I can really see changes and improvemnts in their game. Melody was all over the place and was so composed on the court she looked like she had been playing the game for  long time. She consistently made defensive plays look easy and her ball control was great. For all the hours of practice she puts into the game you can see the confidence transferring into how she plays on the court.

I was impressed by Michal as well. Michal comes from Bakersfield to where we practice every Sunday to play and practice all day with her husband and two kids. Her speed and ball control have greatly improved and you could tell that by her winning record. You can totally tell what putting the practice in during the offseason has done for her game. did I mention she only has one hand?

I absolutely adore playing with Cherry. She raises my level of play. I learn so much about the game when I play with her. At one point she says Im going to call Kaili about us playing together and that just motivated me so I served the last 5 points of the game. One was a defensive play where the ball came right back over the net inside the ten foot line and I sprinted form the serving line to dive get it and sideout with a point. Cherry called Kaili right after the game it was great!

Yes its wintertime but to play 12 games- one after another and not even stopping for the usual mandatory timeout at 21...that means as Mark told me today that you are in good shape. Just got to keep putiting in the work.

tags:

usa volleyball  olympic volleyball  aprils beach volleyball blog  girls volleyball

Misty and Kerry lose To Brazilians in Acapulco

Misty and Kerry lose to Brazilian pair in the finals of the Acapulco Open.

For more details click here.

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usa volleyball olympic volleyball aprils beach volleyball blog girls volleyball

Misty and Kerry in Acapulco

USA’s May-Treanor and Walsh Unbeaten at Acapulco Open

 

ACAPULCO, Mexico – On Friday, defending Olympic and world champions Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh will play their 260th SWATCH-FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour match since the start of their partnership in 2001.

For the full story click here.                                 

Cynthia Barboza Freshman Season ends with Knee Injury

As reported by USA Volleyball

Stanford freshman, Cynthia Barboza who was named the Girls Gatorade National High School Player of the Year for the 2004-05 season at ESPN’s ESPY Awards in July suffered a season ending ACL knee injury during the first play of the third game against California this past Friday night.

A recent Sports Illustrated article referred to Barboza as the "nation's top female freshman – in ANY sport."

For more info

click here...

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cynthia barboza stanford volleyball sports illustrated espy awards espn college volleyball womens volleyball aprils assigns volleyball voices usa volleyball olympic volleyball aprils beach volleyball blog girls volleyball

Misty and Kerry win Gold at Brazil Open

Congratulations to Misty May and Kerry Walsh who won the Gold Medal in the 2005 FIVB Brazil Open. For more info

click here ...

tags:

misty may kerry walsh fivb usa volleyball gold medalist

usa volleyball olympic volleyball aprils beach volleyball blog girls volleyball

Looking for Female Volleyball Players Who Like to Write

April's Beach Volleyball Blog where all female volleyball players come tell their stories is actively looking for High School, College, Professional Indoor/ Beach Volleyball, Disabled, Paralympic, Deaf, Sitting Olympians female Volleyball athletes to write, share, comment on and learn regularly from each other's volleyball experiences.

International Players are very welcome this site is translated into various languages.

Players will join the most decorated Olympians in the history of the sport who have already written and shared their own stories of the obstacles they overcame in the featured section Volleyball Voices.
Talk about training camp, club teams, pre season, coaches who play versus coaches who didn't, uniform fashion, sitting volleyball, deaf volleyball, problems with team mates and of course learn how to play better.
http://www.aprilsbeachvolleyballblog.com is the first interactive volleyball magazine where the players write their own stories...

http://aprilsbeachvolleyballblog.com if you are a female volleyball player...come tell yours..

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usa volleyball olympic volleyball aprils beach volleyball blog girls volleyball

Congratulations to Misty May

Congratulations to Misty May who was named MVP of the 2005 AVP Beach season Wednesday night at the AVP Awards Party!

Misty received was also received Offensive Player of the Year and Team of the Year awards with her partner Kerry Walsh.

To read more about the story click here.     

image by Bloodresangue thanks to aurorasfate

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usa volleyball olympic volleyball aprils beach volleyball blog girls volleyball

2006 FIVB Beach Volleyball Calendar

NEW CALENDAR UPDATE November 24 2005 Important developments to the 2006 calendar: New entries to the calendar: Women events in Italy and Poland Additional promoter's prize money for Dubai Date changes for the China, Men's Polish & Porto Santo events

Women's Calendar
Dates	Country	Event	Prize Money US$	Bonus Pool US$	Total US$
April 9-13	Dubai, United Arab Emirates	Open	125,000	100,000	225,000
May 10-14	Modena, Italy (TBC)	Open	100'000	100'000	200'000
May 24-28	Shanghai, China	Open	100,000	100,000	200,000
May 31-June 4	Rhodes*, Greece	Open	100,000	100,000	200,000
June 20-24	Gstaad, Switzerland	Open	100,000	100,000	200,000
June 27-July 1	Stavanger, Norway	Grand Slam	140,000	150,000	290,000
July 4-8	Marseille, France	Open	100,000	100,000	200,000
July 12-16	Montréal, Canada	Open	100,000	100,000	200,000
July 18-22	St. Petersburg, Russia	Open	100,000	100,000	200,000
July 25-29	Paris, France	Grand Slam	140,000	150,000	290,000
August 1-5	Klagenfurt, Austria	Grand Slam	140,000	150,000	290,000
August 30-Sept. 3	Warsaw, Poland	Open	100,000	100,000	200,000
September 13-17	Porto Santo, Portugal	Open	100,000	100,000	200,000
Septembre 19-23	Victoria, Brazil	Open	100,000	100,000	200,000
October 11-15	Cape Town, South Africa	Open	100,000	100,000	200,000
October 25-29	Acapulco, Mexico	Open	100,000	100,000	200,000
November 1-5	Phuket, Thailand	Open	100,000	100,000	200,000

tags:

phuket thailand  acapulco mexico physical conditioning cape town south africa exercise modena italy avp tour victoria  france klagenfurt austria st petersberg russia montreal canada shanghai china rhodes greece dubai united arab emirates gstaad brazil warsaw poland porto santo portugal usa volleyball olympic volleyball aprils beach volleyball blog girls volleyball