Sure, Florida is a huge volleyball hot spot. But grass volleyball is not the first playing surface that comes to mind when you think of the Sunshine State.
While indoor and beach volleyball have long been staples in the volleyball community, grass volleyball is gaining traction. The allure of playing on lush, green fields under the Florida sun attracts both amateur and seasoned players alike. Grass volleyball offers a unique blend of the competitive spirit of indoor volleyball and the relaxed, outdoor vibe of beach volleyball, making it an appealing choice for many.]
Open the list of the 2024 AVP Grass winners, and you’ll find seven talented champions who reside in Florida. Not only do these players love grass volleyball, they are playing it at the highest level!
It’s clear – there’s more than just beach volleyball in Florida. And that’s exactly why the 2024 AVP Grass Nationals Presented by Gainesville Sports Commission and Visit Gainesville will be the first ever AVP Grass stop hosted in Florida.
Growing Popularity of Grass Volleyball in Florida
In other states, players pack up their grass nets for the winter, but grass opportunities are available year-round to players in Florida. On any given weekend, you can find Florida players setting up in their backyard or at a local park to practice. You’ll also find them competing in grass tournaments of all formats, including doubles, triples, fours, and reverse coed.
Local 2024 AVP Grass Nationals host, Gainesville Volleyball, shares that it has seen steady growth at every event it has thrown in the last two years. Players love adapting their game to the different formats on the grass.
The heightened interest in grass volleyball spreads across the state, with new tournament hosts popping up across Florida cities such as Orlando, St. Pete, Tampa, and Miami.
Florida Players Excited To Stay Close to Home
Chances are high you’ve lined up across the net from Floridians at a grass tournament before, whether you know it or not.
Florida players often travel far outside the state to find the best competition, opportunities, and payouts for grass volleyball. This time, they finally have the chance to showcase their skills right in their own backyard.
Pottstown Rumble Champion Caleb Kwekel shares, “[I am] super excited to have Grass Nationals in my home state! It will be a stacked event with grass volleyball blowing up in the Florida region.”
The vibe itself is another part of the allure at a grass volleyball tournament. When the format is grass, it’s easy to add in fun elements for an event and observe the strong community in action as players gather to cheer each other on.
For instance, Gainesville Volleyball provides a water slide for players to enjoy after games whether to beat the heat or to dive in for an end-of-day celebration. Their iconic water slide will be at Grass Nationals, of course!
Clash Champion Jordan Barreto believes the ambiance is unique, explaining, “Central Florida belongs on the AVP and should be here to stay!”
Competition Begins September 27
Scheduled to take place over three exciting days at Easton-Newberry Sports Complex just outside of Gainesville, FL, the 2024 AVP Grass Nationals will bring together players from all over the country, showcasing talent, skill, and the love of the game. Athletes will compete in various divisions, from recreational to highly competitive, ensuring that everyone—from novices to seasoned pros—has a chance to participate and enjoy the sport.
As we count down to the 2024 AVP Grass Nationals, the excitement is unmistakable. Grass volleyball is more than just a game; it promotes healthy lifestyles, builds a sense of community, and celebrates the joy of outdoor sports.
Whether you’re a seasoned player, a newcomer to the sport, or simply a fan, there’s never been a better time to get involved in grass volleyball in Florida.
