COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – With just weeks remaining before the FIVB World Tour resumes, USA Volleyball’s beach athletes celebrated the Beach Open House in Torrance last week at the official opening of the USAV beach training facility.
In attendance were National Team members, Olympians and 2016 hopefuls. The event also unveiled Olympic banners of each of the nine medals the USA has earned. Of the 14 medalists, 11 were at the event, including: Kerri Walsh Jennings, Todd Rogers, Phil Dalhausser, Dain Blanton, Eric Fonoimoana, Karch Kiraly, Kent Steffes, April Ross, Jennifer Kessy, Mike Dodd and Holly McPeak.
Attendees were able to tour the 15,000 square-foot facility and meet with athletes and staff on Friday afternoon. “The athletes are essential to what we do here,” said John Ruger, the Senior Director of Beach Programs. “This was a night to celebrate beach volleyball, our Olympians, successes, medalists, and their families.”
TODD ROGERS HIRED AS CAL POLY BEACH HEAD COACH
2008 Olympic Gold Medalist Todd Rogers was named the Cal Poly beach head coach, as announced by the athletic department on Tuesday afternoon. “I’m really happy to be a part of Cal Poly Athletics and a volleyball program that’s on the upswing,” said Rogers. “I’m looking forward to challenging for a national title in a few years and what we’re able to build from day one.”
U.S. TRIALS AHEAD FOR YOUTH FIVB WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
In 2016, the FIVB will host three age-group World Championships. In May, the Under 21 Championships will take place in Lucerne, Switzerland, in early July U17 heads to Cabo Frio, Brazil, and at the end of July, U19 will play in Larnaka, Cyprus.
Registration for the U21 U.S. Trials closed on Feb. 1, with trials being held Feb. 20-21 at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, Calif. U17 and U19 will hold trials in Hermosa Beach, Calif., on May 21-22. Registration for both of those age groups closes April 4.
AVP BEGINS RELEASING 2016 TOUR STOPS
The AVP has begun the release of the 2016 schedule, announcing four stops in a projected eight-tournament season. At the third stop, the AVP will host the FIVB Cincinnati Open, points at this event will count toward Olympic qualification. Follow the AVP for updates on the Tour schedule.
Related Links
NBC Sports Kerri Walsh Jennings returns after 4 months off sand, motivated by Karch Kiraly
ESPNW.com April Ross and Kerri Walsh Jennings: How we’re fighting to make the Olympic team