Beach volleyball, a sport beloved by enthusiasts worldwide, is experiencing a surge in popularity like never before. The NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship being hosted in Gulf Shores, Alabama, until 2020 is a testament to its growing appeal.
The opening day of the 2017 championship drew over 1,900 fans, with every match either live streamed or televised. As we walked along Gulf Shores Public Beach, we spoke with different individuals to gain insights into their experiences with the sport and its impact on their communities.
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Anne Marie Anderson, an on-air broadcaster for multiple collegiate sports and networks, shared her excitement about the sport’s growth. She emphasized the significant opportunities for athletes in college volleyball, thanks to the NCAA’s recognition of beach volleyball as a championship sport. Anderson also highlighted the unique appeal of beach volleyball, with its close proximity to athletes, allowing spectators to choose their own action and witness the sport’s beauty up close.
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Jeffrey Caviness, a student at the University of Mobile, expressed his joy in playing beach volleyball for fun with his friends. The University of Mobile has two sand courts on campus, which have been available since at least 2008. Caviness and his friends eagerly attended the NCAA tournament, not necessarily rooting for any particular team but enjoying the day together at the beach.
Kerri Walsh Jennings, a five-time Olympian and four-time Olympic medalist, passionately described the allure of beach volleyball. She emphasized that the sport is not limited to the West coast but has a global presence. With beaches being the primary requirement, beach volleyball can be enjoyed anywhere. Walsh Jennings shared her experiences playing on beautiful beaches around the world, including surprising locations like city plazas in Berlin and the base of the Alps.
Laurie Cookmeyer, a fan from New Orleans, traveled to the championship to support her friend’s daughter who plays for the LSU squad. She mentioned the growth of beach volleyball in the high schools of New Orleans and the community’s increasing interest in the sport. Cookmeyer and her husband reminisced about their days playing beach volleyball and expressed their excitement about its rising popularity in Louisiana.
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Nicole Keshock, an Alabama club director and the Volunteer Coordinator for the NCAA Beach Championship, discussed the sport’s overall growth and its impact on youth and high school teams. She highlighted the positive influence of sports, including beach volleyball, in providing opportunities for youth and keeping them engaged. Keshock explained that the sport is no longer limited to coastal regions, as man-made sand courts are appearing across the country. The popularity of beach volleyball has made it one of the largest girls’ sports today.
As the NCAA Beach Championship enters its final stages, the excitement continues to build. With USC set to face either Hawaii or Pepperdine in the title match, fans eagerly anticipate the thrilling conclusion of this esteemed tournament.
FAQs
Q: Is beach volleyball limited to the West coast?
A: No, beach volleyball has a global presence and can be enjoyed anywhere with a beach. The sport’s popularity has grown exponentially, leading to increased opportunities for athletes nationwide.
Q: How has the NCAA’s recognition of beach volleyball impacted the sport?
A: The NCAA’s recognition of beach volleyball as a championship sport has opened up more scholarship opportunities for athletes. This has contributed to the sport’s overall growth and the emergence of new talent.
Q: Is beach volleyball only popular in coastal areas?
A: No, beach volleyball’s popularity has expanded beyond coastal regions. Man-made sand courts are being constructed across the country, allowing enthusiasts to enjoy the sport regardless of their proximity to the coast.
Summary
Beach volleyball is captivating the hearts of sports enthusiasts worldwide. With the NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship being held in Gulf Shores, Alabama, the sport’s popularity is soaring. The tournament draws thousands of fans, showcasing the exceptional skills and teamwork on display. Beach volleyball offers unique experiences, allowing spectators to witness the sport’s beauty up close. The NCAA’s recognition of beach volleyball as a championship sport has created more opportunities for athletes, leading to its remarkable growth. This thrilling sport has transcended coastal regions and can now be enjoyed anywhere with a beach. As the championship reaches its climax, fans eagerly await the crowning of the champion. Don’t miss out on the excitement – follow the tournament and immerse yourself in the world of beach volleyball.
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