Fort Lauderdale, USA, February 10, 2017 - This past beach volleyball offseason was the shortest in recent memory.
Many teams competed at the 2016 Swatch FIVB World Tour Finals in September. Less than five months later, they are back on the sand at the Fort Lauderdale Major.
“It was a mental adjustment,” said three-time Olympic champion Kerri Walsh Jennings. “Usually I start training early February, or at the very earliest the end of January, so this was a huge shift, but it was worth it.”
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Fort Lauderdale Major Series - WebsiteFort Lauderdale Major Series - Schedule and resultsFort Lauderdale Major Series - Teams - Men
Fort Lauderdale Major Series - Teams - WomenFIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour 2017
FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour Swatch Major Series 2017Latest VideosFacebookTwitterInstagramMedia GuidesBeach volleyball players still managed to have fun this offseason, from trips to Las Vegas to kickboxing lessons.
Phil Dalhausser: “Spending time with the kids. Catching up on some much needed family time.”
Alexander Horst learned to kick box with his partner Clemens Doppler. “We tried it because we saw it at our training facility. There are some videos on Facebook, and it was a lot of fun. Of course I think I was better, but he would probably answer differently.”
Chantal Laboureur spent the offseason at home in Germany. “I rested, went to events and saw friends and family. It was nice to see my boyfriend. He is a teacher, so we couldn’t travel much. But we did go skiing - I didn’t ski, but I went. We also saw the musical Tarzan.”
Nick Lucena, who is hoping to have a second child, spent this season playing with his son. “We hung out a lot and wrestled.”
Casey Patterson got a new job as the Beach Volleyball Director at Sports Academy, a sports and fitness facility. “I honestly think it’s the greatest facility in the world.”
April Ross: “I had so many. I don’t know if I can pick just one! We had a pretty epic trip to Vegas to see The Chainsmokers. I got to go on vacation to Montana with my family. Just having some downtime and some time away from volleyball, which I haven’t really done in my career.”
Kerri Walsh Jennings: “Family time is the best time. It was really nice to get into a routine with my family. In the summer, I have to leave so much, and when I’m home I’m thinking about leaving. It was nice to not have to worry about any of that. My kids and my husband are amazing.”