Legends United: Phil Dalhausser's and Joana Mäder's Beach Volleyball Journeys

Welcome to the latest edition of Sandy Spikes. In this October edition, we'll dive into the remarkable journey and reflections of a true volleyball legend, Phil Dalhausser, who recently received a well-deserved honor at the International Volleyball Hall of Fame induction celebration. His story is an inspiration to us all.

We'll also celebrate the triumph of Joana Mäder, a shining example of resilience and determination, as she secured gold on the sands of the Beach Pro Tour Goa event.

And, of course, don't miss our "Video of the Week". It's an exciting mix of past and future that you won't want to miss.

Let's dig in and explore the world of beach volleyball!

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Phil Dalhausser: A Volleyball Legend's Journey and Reflections

On the 19th of October, the 2023 International Volleyball Hall of Fame induction celebration took place in Holyoke, Massachusetts, USA. Among the distinguished class of 2023, one name stood out - the legendary Phil Dalhausser. Volleyballmag recently featured an article that delves into Phil's remarkable career. I highly recommend reading the full article, but I'd like to share some of his insightful quotes with you:

"It hit me that I can make a career out of this," Dalhausser reflected, looking back 19 years. "We beat Stein Metzger, Dax Holdren, Jeff Nygaard, and Dain Blanton in that tournament. Those two teams went on to represent the USA in the Olympics later that summer. And we even defeated the great Karch Kiraly."

"Once I got on the World Tour, it was Ricardo," Dalhausser said. "He was the guy, the defending Olympic gold medalist. I would sit around and watch what he was doing, and shortly thereafter, we found ourselves battling each other in nearly every semifinal and final."

Dalhausser's career stands in stark contrast to Roberts', having had only three "real" partners - Lucena, Rogers, and Sean Rosenthal, with the latter being Phil's choice as the most talented player he ever partnered with.

Reflecting on his journey, Phil noted a transformation in his approach to teamwork. "I listen to this guy who has a podcast, and he talks a lot about good energy on teams," Dalhausser recounted. "Like a player may not be the best player, but he brings up the energy of the team. And then there are energy vampires. I was an energy vampire. I wasn't a good teammate. If a partner was struggling, I never did anything to boost them. It was more about 'this is my job, and that is your job.' I just wasn't a very good teammate."

Today, Phil Dalhausser is not just a living legend in the world of beach volleyball but also an exceptional human being. As a devoted fan, I've always cheered for him and admired his journey. Here's to wishing Phil all the best in his well-deserved Hall of Fame induction and beyond.

Gold for Joana Mäder – A Remarkable Journey of Triumph and Resilience

In a recent highlight from the Beach Pro Tour Goa event, we saw exceptional performances on both the men's and women's sides. The gold medalists, Vergé-Dépré A./Mäder in the women's category and Seidl/R. Pristauz on the men's side, left us in awe with their remarkable skills and determination. Congratulations to these incredible athletes for their well-deserved victories.

However, in this special moment, I would like to shine a spotlight on Joana Mader, whose journey to gold is nothing short of inspiring. For those who have been following her, you know that Joana's path to success was marked by a significant setback. In June 2022, during the World Championships in Rome, in a bronze medal match, one unforgettable moment occurred. In an attack by Joana, instead of the familiar sound of the hand striking the ball, there was a chilling scream that resonated through the arena, silencing not only the crowd in Rome but also those watching from afar. Joana had suffered a dislocated shoulder, a serious injury.

Yet, as a true champion and an exemplary role model, Joana displayed incredible strength, determination, and resilience. She embarked on a journey of recovery and, against all odds, made her triumphant return to the sand. Joana's story is a testament to the indomitable spirit of athletes who overcome adversity and continue to inspire us with their unwavering dedication.

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I couldn't be happier to witness Joana's incredible comeback and her recent gold medal win. Her journey is a reminder that in the world of beach volleyball, as in life, challenges may arise, but with determination and heart, we can always strive for greatness.

Video of the Week

This week, we have another exciting video by The McKibbin Brothers. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to see the new generation of beach volleyball players play with the legends of the sport? Well, wonder no more! In this well-edited video, you can witness iconic figures like Todd Rogers, aka "The Professor," Sean Rosenthal, Nick Lucena, and Jake Gibbs, playing with the emerging talents, Miles Partain, Andy Benesh, Taylor Sander, Taylor Crabb, and Alex Ranghier.

I'm not a big of 4x4 matches, but this one is an absolute pleasure to watch. Kudos to The McKibbin Brothers for bringing this thrilling showdown to life!

See you soon! ✌️
VP