Grit - Beach Volleyball News

In this episode of GRIT, Victoria sits down with Chris Parish, founder of Poney, to discuss how the platform is helping coaches and instructors simplify scheduling, payments, and client communication. **Stop chasing Venmos. Stop juggling texts. Just coach.** Built for the instructor, not the studio, Poney brings calendars, bookings, and payments together in one easy-to-use platform. Coaches can sh...

GRIT went on location to Mesa, Arizona, for the p1440 Elite Development Summit, where athletes, coaches, and industry leaders came together to help shape the future of beach volleyball. Hosted by Victoria Dennis, this episode takes you inside one of the premier development events in the sport. Victoria sat down with p1440 coaches and athletes to learn what makes the program unique and how it'...

The 2026 NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship is HERE and we’re breaking down everything you need to know. From automatic bids to at-large selections, who’s in the field and how they got there, we’ve got you covered. We dive into tournament structure, key matchups, and what to expect as the bracket unfolds including an early must-watch showdown: a Round 1 rematch of last year’s national championship...

On this episode of GRIT, Victoria sits down with Kamila Tan—2026 AVP Austin Champion, Team USA beach volleyball athlete, and licensed mental health therapist—for a powerful and deeply personal conversation. Kamila opens up about her journey battling an eating disorder while competing in Division I beach volleyball at UCLA, the challenges of relapse, and what it took to recover—twice. She shares ho...

On this episode of GRIT, Victoria breaks down the latest from NCAA Beach Volleyball, highlighting one of the most competitive weekends of the season. From South Carolina and Stetson splitting two intense 3–2 duals, to Texas heating up with a 7-match win streak and dominant performances against ranked opponents, the race is tightening. Plus, a look at South Florida’s impressive first season and why...

On this episode of GRIT, Victoria sits down with Julia Donlin to dive into a powerful story of resilience, faith, and elite competition. Julia opens up about her journey recovering from a severe concussion in college and how that experience reshaped her perspective both on and off the court. She shares how leaning into her faith has guided her path through challenges, growth, and success in beach...

On this episode of GRIT, we break down the latest storylines from NCAA Beach Volleyball as the season heats up. Victoria dives into the top-ranked programs including Stanford, UCLA, Cal Poly SLO, and USC, analyzing what’s driving their success and how they’ve positioned themselves in the national rankings. We also take a closer look at why LMU and Florida State continue to be some of the most prod...

On this episode of GRIT, we sit down with newly formed USA Beach Volleyball and AVP duo Molly Shaw and Toni Rodriguez. Molly dives into her 2025 season on the World Tour, how her partnership with Toni came together, and what makes their vision for 2026 so exciting. Toni opens up about her injury recovery in 2025, the lessons it taught her, and how it’s shaping her mindset as she returns to the san...

GRIT sits down with Olympic gold medalist and legendary volleyball mind Rich Lambourne for a full World Champs deep dive. Originally recorded before the tournament, this episode is packed with timeless insight on elite volleyball strategy, offensive and defensive systems, team rankings, and how the world’s best squads match up on paper. Rich breaks down: - How top teams are structured and why cert...

GRIT Beach Volleyball hits the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour World Champs with special guest Kyle Friend! In this episode, Kyle breaks down everything you need to know heading into the biggest tournament in the sport, and why World Champs is arguably tougher than the Olympic Games. We dive into: Major storylines shaping this year’s field Teams to watch — the duos peaking at the perfect time Pote...

SLUNKS is back on GRIT with something spooky and exclusive! Founder Chris Reams and the SLUNKS crew stop by to reveal their brand-new Halloween short and shirt — and trust us, these are fire . We dive into a hilarious “This or That: Slunks Edition” game, share behind-the-scenes stories, and even get a few top-secret hints about what’s next for the brand  Don’t miss the laughs, the fits, and the vi...

In this episode, we sit down with 10-time AVP Champion Trevor Crabb to talk all things volleyball and beyond: 🏐 His new partnership with The G.O.A.T. Phil Dalhausser 🏐 What it’s like competing in the new AVP League format 🏐 His unique relationship with his brother, Taylor Crabb—both as competitors and now as partners on the international stage 🏐 What’s ahead as the Crabb brothers reunite for t...

Victoria breaks down all the stats and storylines heading into the AVP League Championship in Chicago. From seeding implications to winning percentages, she digs into the nitty-gritty details that could shape the outcome; sharing the numbers behind the match ups. Don’t forget to like and subscribe—it truly helps GRIT push volleyball content to the top! Hosted by Victoria Dennis, Grit brings you th...

This year’s Manhattan Beach Open—often dubbed “the Wimbledon of Beach Volleyball”—was truly next level. In this episode, Victoria breaks down everything you might’ve missed: the jaw-dropping upsets, surprising stats, betting odds, and exactly how the top teams got it done. From sand to strategy, she’s covering all the angles and giving you the inside scoop on one of the sport’s most iconic tournam...

In this episode, Victoria sit's down with Mike Griffin, founder of Bad Boys Open Volleyball Events, to talk all things grass volleyball. Mike dives into the details behind the OC Crown, a premier grass tournament in Huntington Beach, and shares what it takes to direct massive events like the Seaside Open, featuring over 200 courts. From logistics to community building, Mike explains what make...

Victoria breaks down the AVP League with expert insight into current stats, how they’re impacting team rankings, and what fans can expect in the second half of the season. Don’t miss this deep dive into standout performances, shifting dynamics, and key matchups to watch as the competition heats up. Hosted by Victoria Dennis and Meg Burgdorf, Grit brings you the latest beach volleyball world news,...

James Shaw and Chaim Schalk have punched their ticket to the AVP League, representing the Miami Mayhem. In this episode, they break down how they qualified, share their thoughts on the league’s new team-based format, and reveal why they believe Miami is primed to dominate this season. Don’t miss this inside look at two of the sport’s fiercest competitors and their path to AVP glory. Hosted by Vict...

Why Everyone's Ditching Group Chats for This New App. PONEY is the easiest way to hang out in real life. No more endless group texts or chaotic chats — just effortless planning with friends. Whether it’s beach volleyball, pickleball, beers, your kid’s soccer game, or a big weekend out, Poney makes scheduling simple. Social media became more media than social. Poney brings the real-life fun ba...

Corrine Quiggle & Megan Rice Qualify for AVP League 2025! | Behind the Grind, Strategy & What’s Next 🌍🏐 In this episode, beach volleyball pros Corrine Quiggle and Megan Rice dive into their journey to qualifying for the AVP League 2025! 💥 They break down how they targeted the shorter qualifier, adapted to recent game changes, and the mindset it took to make the cut. They also talk about...

Hagen Smith and Logan Webber battle through the grueling single-day AVP qualifier to secure their spot in the AVP League—and they’re here to break it all down! In this episode, the duo shares how they prepared for the intense, win-or-go-home format and the tactical adjustments they’ve made for the shorter matches. Hagen opens up about the guidance he receives from his legendary father, Sinjin Smit...

In this episode, Caitlin takes us behind the scenes of her incredible journey, sharing what it's like to play for Team Australia on the Pro Volleyball World Tour. She dives into the challenges and triumphs of competing at the highest level of the sport. Caitlin also opens up about how she earned her degree in Kinesiology from San Jose State University. In addition to earning a  Masters of Phy...

In this episode, we sit down with David Brandin, founder of the SoCal Beach Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the Hermosa Beach community. David shares exciting updates about upcoming local tournaments and how these events are shaping the future of the area. David dives into the core mission of the SoCal Beach Foundation, discussing the impactful work they’re doing in Hermosa Beach an...

In this episode, Toni Rodriguez, AVP Champion and Team USA member, sits down to discuss her volleyball journey. A proud alumna of LSU Beach and Indoor Volleyball, Toni shares the secrets behind her successful partnership with Geena Urango. She opens up about the dedication and skills required to compete at the professional level, how her college career shaped her approach to the game, and provides...

In this episode, USC Beach Volleyball head coach Dain Blanton discusses the remarkable success of the Women of Troy, including their four consecutive national championships. Dain shares insights into the unique culture of USC Beach Volleyball, what makes the program stand out, and who they recruit to continue their legacy of excellence. He also opens up about what USC looks for in recruits and giv...

Welcome to the Grit, the show hosted by Meg Burgdorf and Victoria Dennis where we discuss beach volleyball world news, life on the sand,  USAV/AAU Junior Nationals, FIVB/AVP,  all in the bump, set and spiking sand. Live from Manhattan Beach, right in the heart of the beach volleyball world, we bring you the best of the beach at all levels of this awesome sport of beach volleyball.  Tune in for all...