Tuesday, 16 Jul 2024

USAV Selects Beach ParaVolley Tour Rosters

USA Volleyball has announced the teams that will represent the United States in the World ParaVolley Beach World Series event in Pingtan, China from May 9-12. The three-player men’s team consists of Eric Duda, Dave Newkirk, and Chris Seilkop, who have a wealth of experience in sitting and standing volleyball. On the women’s side, Meredith Gross, Skye McDermott, and Autum Reagan will be representing the U.S. in Pingtan.

Beach ParaVolley is an inclusive sport that embraces the Paralympic classification system. The selection camp for these teams took place in early April at the University of Central Oklahoma. The men’s team, with an average age of 44, has a combined 11 Paralympic Games under their belts. The women’s team, on the other hand, is young and relatively inexperienced internationally.

Despite their youth, the women’s players see this as an opportunity to make a significant impact on the development of Beach ParaVolley in the United States. Autum Reagan, the oldest of the three at 17, expressed her excitement about the chance to be a part of the sport’s growth and act as a role model for other athletes. Skye McDermott echoed this sentiment, stating that she aims to inspire young athletes through her participation in the sport.

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The ultimate goal for World ParaVolley and the International Paralympic Committee is to include Beach ParaVolley in the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics. The sport has gained popularity since 2007 in Asia/Oceania, where teams have been competing regularly.

Player Notes:

Eric Duda

  • Born with amniotic band syndrome
  • Has played in two Paralympic Games in sitting volleyball
  • Named Best Receiver at the 2018 World ParaVolley World Championships
  • Recognized as USA Volleyball Male Sitting Player of the Year in 2014 and 2018

Dave Newkirk

  • Serves on the World ParaVolley Athletes Commission as the Beach ParaVolley member
  • Competed in three Paralympic Games in standing volleyball with three fourth-place finishes
  • Active in adaptive and able-bodied volleyball for over 30 years

Chris Seilkop

  • Became an amputee at age 7
  • Represented the U.S. in sitting volleyball in four Paralympic Games
  • Inspired by Karch Kiraly’s success in the 1984 Olympics

Meredith Gross

  • Born with one hand and forearm
  • Plays able-bodied indoor and beach volleyball
  • Part of the U.S. Women’s Sitting A2 Team

Skye McDermott

  • Born with one arm below the elbow
  • Plays able-bodied club and beach volleyball
  • Current member of the U.S. Women’s Sitting Volleyball A2 Team

Autum Reagan

  • Above the knee amputee since age five
  • Played standing volleyball before transitioning to sitting volleyball
  • Won silver at the 2017 Youth Parapan American Games in sitting volleyball

These talented athletes are ready to make their mark on the international paravolley stage and contribute to the growth of Beach ParaVolley in the United States. We look forward to their performances in Pingtan and beyond.

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FAQs

Q: What is Beach ParaVolley?
A: Beach ParaVolley is a form of standing beach volleyball played with three-member teams. It operates within the Paralympic classification system, promoting inclusivity in the sport.

Q: What are the goals for Beach ParaVolley?
A: The goal is to include Beach ParaVolley in the Paralympic Games by 2028. The sport has been gaining popularity since 2007, with regular competitions in Asia/Oceania.

Q: What are the age and experience differences between the men’s and women’s teams?
A: The men’s team consists of experienced players with an average age of 44 who have participated in a combined 11 Paralympic Games. In contrast, the women’s team is young, with players aged 14-17 and limited international experience.

Q: What do the women’s players hope to achieve in Beach ParaVolley?
A: The women’s players see this opportunity as a chance to shape the future of Beach ParaVolley in the United States. They aim to inspire other athletes and pave the way for the sport’s development.

Summary

USAV has selected its teams for the World ParaVolley Beach World Series event in Pingtan, China. The men’s team comprises Eric Duda, Dave Newkirk, and Chris Seilkop, all of whom bring extensive experience in sitting and standing volleyball. On the women’s side, Meredith Gross, Skye McDermott, and Autum Reagan will be representing the U.S. in Pingtan.

Beach ParaVolley is a sport that embraces inclusivity and operates within the Paralympic classification system. The six players were chosen through a selection camp, with the men’s team having a wealth of Paralympic experience and the women’s team being relatively young and inexperienced.

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The goal is to include Beach ParaVolley in the Paralympic Games by 2028, and the sport has been steadily gaining popularity since 2007. These talented athletes have the opportunity to shape the future of Beach ParaVolley in the United States and serve as role models for aspiring athletes.

In Pingtan, they will showcase their skills and passion for the sport, contributing to its growth and development. Stay tuned for their performances and the exciting journey of Beach ParaVolley in the United States.

Call to action: To follow the progress of the USAV teams and stay updated on Beach ParaVolley, visit the official website.