The UC High Girls Beach Volleyball Team is ready to start the season with confidence and energy as they return to the sand. With a balanced roster of experienced and fresh talent, the Centurions are prepared to take on the challenges ahead.

  Head Coach Mark Salata emphasized the importance of mental toughness in order to be successful in the sport. “The toughest thing about beach volleyball is making sure you have the mental strength to endure losing several points in a set and then readjusting and taking the win. Having a mindset that is calm and positive in the middle of the turmoil is something players must develop over time,” said Salata.

   That tough mindset has been a key focus for Junior Ava Chiaramonte and the rest of the team. “The goals our team set at the beginning of this season were to keep improving with every game and to maintain a positive and relaxed mindset while we play,” said Chiaramonte.

   Another important aspect of beach volleyball is communication. “When handling miscommunication during a match, I usually like to call a timeout. This way we can take a second to make a game plan and discuss who’s going to cover what and how we can talk on the court more,” said Chiaramonte.

   Being a student athlete comes with its challenges, but Chiaramonte has developed a system to balance both. “I balance academics and athletics by prioritizing my time. During school, I try to get most of my homework done during class or if I know I’ll be missing a class because of a game, I will go in during lunch to make sure I have all the work for that day,” said Chiaramonte.

   Junior Julia Gillespie Carlson explained how she can prepare herself for her match. “Before a match, I like to watch highlights of my previous matches, along with clips of professional athletes to prepare. I also like to check in with my partner, and we reassure each other before our match,” said Gillespie Carlson.

   Beyond competition, Salata emphasized values that extend past wins and losses. “Honoring the sport, their opponents, and themselves is the main value…. Playing honorably shows personal and team integrity,” said Salata.

   Salata explained how beach volleyball can offer many opportunities outside of high school. “It is one of the fastest growing women’s collegiate sports in the country, with scholarships available at over 100 programs nationwide. Former UC High players have already begun making their mark at the next level,” said Salata.

   The location of the courts is Gillespie Carlson’s favorite part about playing the sport. “The thing I love most about playing beach volleyball is being able to play in Southern California, since we have great weather to play year-round while also being able to watch professionals in Manhattan beach just an hour away,” said Gillespie Carlson.

   Although there are no official preseason practices, Salata recommended that players practice on their own. “I recommend that athletes do a lot of hill sprints and plyometric exercises that focus on speed. The sand slows down everyone, but if they prepare to be fast on land, then it helps a lot on sand,” said Salata.