Wyatt Lindsay is an ASU  Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Desert Vista High School for AZPreps365.com

The inaugural season for Desert Vista’s boys beach volleyball was about more than a record. There were no crazy expectations of success, no overly disappointed coaches. It was truly just a build-up.

As it was the first time playing beach volleyball for many players and the inaugural year of organized play, the main focus was on learning the differences and building skills.

Junior Brandon Wraight said the switch from indoor volleyball was a major adjustment. Most players had never competed in beach before, and they quickly learned that communication and endurance were just as important as technical skill.

Wraight said that the approaches are different, noting how it's more laid back than indoor volleyball. 

“There’s still that competitive edge, obviously, but it’s definitely more friendly and not as intense as club or indoor,” Wraight said.

Senior Max Koplin said the team’s learning curve was steep but that head coach Vanessa Pawlak made the transition easier with her patience and emphasis on technique.

“She’s super helpful and forgiving,” Koplin said. “She’s helped us a lot with the technique and the style of beach.” 

Pawlak said she was surprised by how much interest the program drew in its first year. With nearly 30 boys trying out, Pawlak said she believes it is a reflection of the sport’s growing popularity in Arizona.

“I was not expecting that,” Pawlak said. “They really want this, and I think it’s about to explode. There’s such a demand for boys’ beach volleyball right now.”

The season demanded plenty of adjustment. 

With only two players per side, beach volleyball emphasizes teamwork, quick decision-making and consistent effort–along with a strong effort in communication, forcing players to reduce errors and make quick changes to their game.

Beach games are best-of-three and game point is 21 rather than 25, forcing the players to fix their mistakes quickly and move on to the next point.

Pawlak said the smaller scale of the game often reveals who can stay focused under pressure.

“She understands high school students really well,” said Wraight. “We’ve got a lot of things going on with our schedules, and she’s very lenient but also very intense since she wants us to win these games.”

After the final game, Pawlak said she has been extremely happy with being a part of this program. 

“It's bittersweet,” said Pawlak. “Everything has to come to an end, but we had a lot of fun.”

The program focused on teaching the boys to communicate effectively and adapt to the physical demands of playing in sand, which requires more endurance and quicker adjustments than indoor courts.

With a season of experience under its belt and a strong interest from new athletes. Entering the second year of the program in the fall, Pawlak said Desert Vista plans to return with a better understanding of the beach game and more athletes eager to participate.

Playing with two instead of six has grown communication and built up skills that will translate to those who play indoor, turning players into more well-rounded athletes.