The AVP heads to Denver this weekend, June 30-July 2, and this second Tour stop is packing heat. With an Atlanta bid on the line, teams from all over the nation are flocking to the Mile High City.
Stacked Entry List
Have you seen who is playing in Denver? The entry list looks like a Pro series event, with Hermosa’s #1-seeds Kelley Kolinske and partner Hailey Harward topping the Denver list, too. Deahna Kraft and Zana Muno come in as the #2 seed, coming off an impressive 7th-place finish in Huntington Beach. The 2022 Denver winners, Lili and Larissa, are back to reclaim their title, along with the 2023 Virginia Beach Champs – Macy Jerger and Megan Rice.
The Virginia Beach winners on the Men’s side – Hagen Smith and Logan Webber – come in as the #1 seed in Denver. Seain Cook and Jake Dietrich, two players who aren’t afraid to ham it up, come in as the #2. But the biggest surprise on the Men’s side has to be John Hyden, back on the AVP with a new partner in Bill Kolinske. Many people thought Hyden might have been done at the end of the 2022 season, but it looks like this 50-year-old is really trying to cement his name in the history books. We love to see it!
Atlanta Bid
Each gender is fighting for four bids to the first Gold Series of 2023 in Atlanta. Some teams in both fields are already into Atlanta on points, so the bids will trickle down. Typically, the four semifinalists would represent all four bid winners. But, if some of the teams in the Semis are already in the Main Draw of Atlanta, the bid will trickle down to the 5th-place finishers. There are four 5th-place finishers, so bids start with the highest-seeded team that finished 5th and trickle down if more bids are available.
Denver Extras
But – teams aren’t in Denver just to get to be in Atlanta! Some of the top names in beach volleyball are headed to this second stop on the AVP Tour Series for more than the bid and fierce competition. Promotor and beach volleyball superfan Tom Davenport puts on a stellar event. On Friday, a Welcome Dinner invites every registrant to eat, meet, and mingle. A Saturday night Player Party brings everyone together once again, this time with music, drinks, and dancing. Davenport understands that beach volleyball isn’t just about sheer athleticism – it’s also about the laid-back beach culture, incredible people, and living life to the fullest.
Where to Watch
Intrigued? Follow all the Denver Tour Series Open action for FREE right here!