Before Wasatch Beach

Happy but tired after a long day of volleyball, I sat watching the final rounds of the men’s open at the Park City Classic on July 4, 2007 with my friend Mike Manczuk. As we relaxed in the shade with a cool beverage, Mike reflected on the state of beach volleyball in the beehive state. He observed quite accurately that events were not generating the kind of spectator participation and sponsor support that we had seen in the past, particularly at the big tourneys. A few weeks later, Mike and his son Kaden traveled to Manhattan Beach for the AVP tournament. They returned overflowing with enthusiasm about what they had seen and done during the event.

Once again, conversations turned to what might be. Could we find a way to bring the fun and excitement of AVP events to competitive volleyball in Utah? Where would we find the beach volleyball facility where we could make it work?

As we explored the options, we discovered AVPNext, the grassroots program sponsored by the AVP. What happened next was the highly creative process of getting organized as we prepared to submit our application to the AVP. Wasatch Beach Volleyball emerged as the name. Mike suggested Bump. Set. Chill. as our byline - it was the perfect mantra for the passion we have for the sport and the beach volleyball lifestyle.

But, what about the facility? What about Wasatch Beach?