Beach volleyball is right around the corner, several Albertans have found warmer climates to train over the past few winter months. Many of these athletes are preparing for the 2012 Olympic Games qualification period.

On the women’s side Amanda Moppett and Jo Niemczewska have been in the United States training and competing on the CBVA tour. Kathy Tough was helping the girls train for a week down in sunny California. The highlights for the girls were seeing so many teams train each and every day, working with legendary Dane Selznick and competing every weekend on the CBVA tour.

On the men’s side Jason Kruger spent his winter months in his home country of South Africa. He made a pit stop in Calgary before heading down to California where is preparing with his partner for the upcoming FIVB Season.

Ray Sewell & Tyler Fraser are another Alberta team training abroad. They were away for three months living and breathing volleyball in Brazil. Some of you may have been following their adventures both on and off the court with their regular you-tube updates: Beachshorts.

I hope you will support these and many other Albertans as they make their way onto the sand for the upcoming beach season.


Story written by Kathy Tough (1996 Olympian)

Photo: Ray Sewell and Scott Lahey at Nationals