WarmUp When Arizona launched a two-year pilot program for high school sand volleyball in 2011-12, one big question from athletic directors was: how do you start such a team? Xavier College Prep in Phoenix was one of five schools that fielded a varsity squad for the inaugural season—there will be eight this spring—and the Gators captured the state crown.
The impetus to start the sand team at Xavier Prep came from the school’s athletic director. “Our administration prides itself on providing new opportunities to girls,” says Head Sand Volleyball Coach Matt Rogers, who is an Assistant Coach on the school’s indoor squad. “In August of 2011, our athletic director asked me and Indoor Head Coach Tim McHale how we’d feel about starting a sand program. We were so excited, we must have jumped 20 feet in the air.” The caveat was that the team would need to function with Sand volleyball players at Xavier College Prep prepare for the 2013 spring season.
only a small amount of funding from the school. Rogers and McHale responded by volunteering to coach for one dollar Adding Sports each.
building in the sand
For a facility, the coaches turned to the community. A swim club donated its court, and a local landscaping company graded the court for free and donated 60 tons of sand. The coaches and athletes spent a few hours laying down lines and repainting the net poles. The school and players’ parents purchased uniforms.
Rogers says the sand squad is not a duplicate of the indoor roster. “Most of our sand players weren’t varsity indoor players, but freshmen and sophomores from the j.v. and club teams,” he says, adding that several of last year’s sand players have decided to play it exclusively in 2012-13. “It’s tough losing indoor players, but I want student-athletes to play the sport they are most passionate about. Sand can open doors at the college level, and if we want the sport to grow, it’s crucial that we encourage girls to try both and then decide for themselves which fits best.”
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