Coach Lee Maes and the Virginia volleyball team have taken a new approach to training and incorporating the larger community into their season goals. The new sand courts near Nameless Field hopefully will help the squad better prepare for its matchups, as well as encourage more students to take notice of the sport, Maes said.
"They are great for their conditioning and helping our team become better athletes," Maes said.
The differences between sand courts and regular hard courts are not insignificant. The shifting surface of a sand court may increase the risk of injury for the players as they jump off, but the softness also diminishes the pressure that hard courts place on the players' joints.
Nevertheless, Maes said the decision to build the courts - which have yet to be entirely finished - was an easy one to make, and his excitement for the addition does not go unnoticed.
"We're big proponents of sand volleyball in how it affects our development as volleyball players, and it just supplements our training," Maes said.
The courts have the added advantage of close proximity to Memorial Gymnasium, where the volleyball team plays. They are not intended just to benefit the team, however. One major purpose behind their construction was to increase students' exposure to the program.
The Cavaliers hope to attract more spectators to their games, as their fans and the atmosphere provide motivation to play at the top of their form when at home.
"When people drive by, they always see the sand courts out there, and volleyball will be on their mind," freshman libero Emily Rottman said. "That could lead to wanting to know more about volleyball and then if they see us on the courts that might spark their interest, too."
The sand courts should be particularly effective because of how they are open to everyone in the community.
"We feel like it's going to be a wonderful opportunity for not only our team but students, faculty, staff, as well as community use," Maes said.
The courts are equipped with soft, high-quality sand that does not pack and is dustless, Maes said. They also feature a top-notch net system, which will soon be supplemented by additional netting.\n"Aesthetically we built it so that it would fit into the surroundings, and at the same time, it will be one of the finest looking venues in the country," Maes said.
There also are electrical outlets where audio equipment can be plugged in, an outdoor shower and lighting, allowing play to continue into the night.
Overall, team members are looking forward to how the courts will not only allow provide another recreational area for the University community but will also help refine the skills of the volleyball program.
"We're really excited to just get out there," Rottman said.
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