Welcome to the latest edition of Sandy Spikes. In this issue, we'll take a deep dive into the AVP 2023 VolleyballMag Awards.

But that's not all – we've also got a recap of the 2023 Beach Volley Pan American Games.

And to top it off, don't miss the 'Video of the Week,' featuring a fantastic 4×4 match with incredible rallies and excitement.

So, let's jump right in and immerse ourselves in the thrilling world of beach volleyball!

Before we wrap up, why not become a part of our vibrant community of beach volleyball enthusiasts? Subscribe now to receive every new post directly in your mailbox.

VolleyballMag 2023 Women’s AVP Awards

The VolleyballMag 2023 AVP Awards for women's beach volleyball have been announced, and it was a year dominated by the team of Kristen Nuss and Taryn Kloth, also known as TKN. The awards were determined based on a combination of stats, finishes, and film from tournaments throughout the AVP season. To qualify for an award, players had to compete in at least 10 main draw matches in Pro or Gold Series events.

Several teams had strong performances throughout the season. Brandie Wilkerson and Melissa Humana-Paredes won their first AVP title together in Miami. Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes had back-to-back victories in New Orleans and Huntington Beach. However, it was Kristen Nuss and Taryn Kloth who emerged as the top team, winning the final two Gold Series events in Atlanta and Chicago.

When deciding between Cheng and Hughes and Nuss and Kloth, both with impressive records and head-to-head matchups, the deciding factor was the magnitude of the events won. Nuss and Kloth triumphed in the Gold Series events, which are considered the majors on the AVP Tour.

Therefore, Kristen Nuss and Taryn Kloth were named the VolleyballMag 2023 AVP Team of the Year. Other notable mentions for the award included Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes, Brandie Wilkerson and Melissa Humana-Paredes, and Betsi Flint and Julia Scoles.

Individual awards were also presented. Taryn Kloth was named the 2023 AVP MVP for her dominant performance on both offense and defense. She led the AVP in multiple categories, including hitting percentage, blocks per set, and soft blocks.

Taryn Kloth also received the award for AVP Offensive Player of the Year, showcasing her efficiency and low error rate. Kristen Nuss was honored as the AVP Defensive Player of the Year, known for her exceptional digging skills and termination rate in transition opportunities.

In the blocking category, Taryn Kloth was recognized as the AVP Blocker of the Year for her disciplined and fundamental technique. Betsi Flint received the AVP Server of the Year award for her leading number of aces, showcasing her exceptional serving skills.

The Most Improved award went to Brook Bauer, who made significant strides in her performance throughout the season. Megan J. Rice was named the Rookie of the Year after a remarkable debut season, capitalizing on opportunities and achieving impressive results.

Drew Hamilton, the coach of Kristen Nuss and Taryn Kloth, was named the AVP Coach of the Year. His guidance and coaching played a significant role in the success of the team.

Finally, Katie Horton was honored with the Carly Kan Most Underrated Award. Despite her exceptional skills and results, Horton often goes unnoticed due to her quiet and understated style of play.

The 2023 AVP Awards recognized the outstanding performances and contributions of these athletes and coaches in women's beach volleyball. Check the full article [here].

VolleyballMag 2023 Men’s AVP Awards

On the men’s side, Miles Partain and Andy Benesh emerged as the stars of the season. Again, the awards were decided based on a combination of stats, finishes, and tournament performances throughout the 2023 AVP season.

Partain and Benesh, who were initially considered the "Chosen Ones" and the top-ranked USA team, faced criticism after losing in the finals of the AVP Chicago Gold Series to Trevor Crabb and Theo Brunner. However, their overall performance throughout the season was outstanding. They made three finals, winning two tournaments and finishing with a record of 14-2. They had the highest winning percentage (.875) and tied for the most wins (2) despite playing fewer tournaments than their competitors. Hence, they were named the 2023 AVP Team of the Year.

Andy Benesh was also recognized as the 2023 AVP MVP. He showcased exceptional skills on both offense and defense. Benesh led the AVP in blocks per set (2.02), which made him a dominant force at the net. His offensive efficiency, dynamic jump-setting, and on-two threats contributed significantly to his MVP title.

Miles Partain, on the other hand, received the Offensive Player of the Year award. He led all players in hitting percentage and displayed impressive offensive skills, especially with his jump-sets and ability to hit difficult attacks with minimal errors.

Trevor Crabb was honored as the Defensive Player of the Year for his exceptional performance in his first full-time year of defense. He finished third in digs per set and showcased his defensive skills in various tournaments, including the World Championships.

Andy Benesh was recognized as the Blocker of the Year for his outstanding blocking abilities. He led the AVP in blocks per set and demonstrated his dominance at the net throughout the season.

Paul Lotman was named the Server of the Year, surpassing expectations and displaying exceptional serving skills. Despite Taylor Sander leading the AVP in aces, Lotman showcased a higher ace rate, making him the deserving winner.

Cody Caldwell received the Most Improved award for his remarkable progress throughout the season. He achieved consistent top finishes in tournaments, including a career-best third-place finish at the Manhattan Beach Open.

DJ Klasnic was honored as the Rookie of the Year for his exceptional performance in his first year on the AVP Tour. He showcased offensive prowess, hitting .430 for the season and impressing with his skills on the court.

Mike Placek, the coach of Andy Benesh and Miles Partain, received the Coach of the Year award for his instrumental role in their success. Placek allowed the team to push their limits and innovate their strategies, leading them to become the top-ranked team on the AVP.

Lastly, Adam Roberts was recognized as the Sinjin Smith Man of the Year for his significant impact on the sport of beach volleyball. Roberts has contributed to the development of several players, including Andy Benesh and Phil Dalhausser, and has elevated the Myrtle Beach Open to a star-studded event.

Overall, the 2023 AVP Awards celebrated the outstanding performances and contributions of players and coaches in the world of beach volleyball. You can check the full article [here]

Brazil Dominates Beach Volleyball at Pan American Games 2023

Brazil showcased their dominance in beach volleyball at the 2023 Pan American Games held in Santiago, Chile. The Brazilian teams emerged victorious in both the men's and women's categories, earning gold medals. In the women's event, Ana Patricia Ramos and Duda Lisboa defeated Canadians Brandie Wilkerson and Melissa Humana-Paredes 2-0 (22-20, 21-18) in the final to claim the gold. This marked Brazil's fourth gold medal in the history of the Pan American Games, with their first win dating back to 2011. Canada secured the silver medal, and the USA took home bronze.

In the men's category, George Souto and André Loyola of Brazil clinched gold after a hard-fought battle against Cubans Noslen Díaz and Jorge Alayo. The Brazilian duo emerged victorious with a score of 2-1 (21-12, 19-21, 15-13) in the final match. With this win, Brazil became the most successful men's team in the history of the Pan American Games, with three gold medals. Cuba secured the silver medal.

The competition showcased the experience and skill of the Brazilian teams. Ana Patricia Ramos and Duda Lisboa displayed their strength with Lisboa's powerful serving and Ramos's well-timed blocks. In the men's final, George Souto demonstrated impressive defense, while André Loyola contributed with defensive plays and strong blocks.

Overall, Brazil's success in beach volleyball at the Pan American Games 2023 solidified their position as a powerhouse in the sport. The tournament also provided an opportunity for other countries, such as Canada and Cuba, to showcase their talent and secure medals in the competitive event.

Video of the Week

In our previous edition, we featured a video by The McKibbin Brothers showcasing a men's 4×4 match. Now, it's time to shift the spotlight to the women's. Check out this amazing 4×4 match between some of the best beach volleyball players in the world.

See you soon!
VP