Many beach volleyball players wowed fans during the 2013 FIVB beach volleyball season, but USA’s Casey Patterson and Germany’s Laura Ludwig were the standouts for fans online.
In a public vote on the FIVB’s Facebook page, Patterson and Ludwig were chosen as the FIVB Male and Female Beach Volleyball Athlete of the Year – Fan Vote. More than 500 fans participated in the vote.
The fan vote corresponds with the official 2013 Fédération Internationale de Volleyball Beach Volleyball season awards, chosen by players that participate on the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour.
Fan favorite Ludwig was also voted as the Most Inspirational Player and the Best Defensive Player by her peers.
Patterson, who did not receive an additional award, awed fans throughout the season with his energy on the court, which often included dance moves to accompany his signature hair style.
2013 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour/FIVB Open Award Winners – voted by players
Most Outstanding – Kerri Walsh, United States
Best Blocker – Talita Antunes, Brazil
Best Defensive Player – Laura Ludwig, Germany
Best Hitter – Talita Antunes, Brazil
Best Offensive Player – Talita Antunes, Brazil
Best Setter – Ilka Semmler, Germany
Most Improved Player – Kira Walkenhorst, Germany
Most Inspirational – Laura Ludwig, Germany
Sportsperson – Taiana Lima, Brazil
Top Rookie – Kira Walkenhorst, Germany
Team of the Year – Talita Antunes & Taiana Lima, Brazil
2013 Men’s FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour/FIVB Open Award Winners – voted by players
Most Outstanding – Phil Dalhausser, United States
Best Blocker – Pedro Salgado, Brazil
Best Defensive Player – Bruno Oscar Schmidt, Brazil
Best Hitter – Janis Smedins, Latvia
Best Offensive Player – Janis Smedins, Latvia
Best Setter – Janis Smedins, Latvia
Most Improved Player – Alvaro Filho, Brazil
Most Inspirational – Jake Gibb, United States