Beach volleyball tournament brings college teams to Queen's Beach
A three-day event in Waikiki combines collegiate matches, a youth clinic, and an amateur tournament to promote the sport.
By Oliver Bennett ·
15 dollars is the cost to register for the youth clinic held at Queen's Beach in Waikiki this weekend. The fee supports the Hawaii Beach Volleyball Foundation while introducing local teenagers to the mechanics of the sport.
The Oakberry Beach Wahine Beach Classic runs from Thursday, Nov. 12, through Saturday, Nov. 14. The Twin Fin and Park Shore Waikiki host the inaugural event on the sand. College teams from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Loyola Marymount, and Georgia State compete in the main tournament.
Matches in the collegiate division are scheduled daily from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Spectators can watch the games for free. The organizers aim to increase visibility for the sport by gathering these collegiate programs in one location.
Beyond the competitive matches, the weekend includes a community coaching clinic on Friday. From 4:30 to 6 p.m., athletes between the ages of 12 and 18 will practice on the court. Coaches from the three participating universities will lead warm-ups, skill drills, and gameplay sessions.
Sophie Bushman, a senior on the University of Hawaii team, described the clinic as a chance to mentor younger players. She said the team wants to inspire the next generation and serve as role models. Bushman noted that connecting with high schoolers who aspire to play in college feels like a full circle moment.
I feel like it's such a full circle moment because we were once those little kids, and we were being inspired by the players in college at that time,
