The beach volleyball season is well underway, with three games played and a few more to come. The emerging team is still finding its footing, having only been established last year and now consisting mostly of freshmen. Moreover, they haven’t had the easiest season after losing their home court at Wa-Ke Hatchee Park. Now, they are only able to play away games, which limits the team’s experience. Only being able to practice twice a week is also a hindering factor.
“It’s definitely hard,” said Daniela Sosa on the topic of conflicting commitments. “A lot of us juniors have work. I have JROTC everyday. If there were more times available I would be able to go to more practices.”
These challenges, however, do nothing to deter the spirit of the players, who continue to enjoy their time and put in the work to get better every day.
“We always have a good time, win or lose,” says junior Jianna Zaliagiris. “It’s super fun to play in partners and I love the team.”
Beach volleyball differs from indoor volleyball in ways that go beyond the setting where it’s played or how they set the ball. From smaller things like a technical time-out during game point to a recurring switch of the playing side, perhaps the most noticeable difference is that there are only two people on each side of the net during the games, as opposed to six.
“It makes you rely more on your partner, which creates closer bonds and an overall better relationship,” Sosa explained. “I also feel like there is more liberty than there is in indoor volleyball.
The current members of the beach volleyball team expressed their encouragement for more people to join next year, citing a fun, challenging activity that is welcoming to all. With so much time ahead of them, it is exciting to think of what the Cypress beach volleyball team will come to achieve.
