By Madyson Montoya (@MadysonMontoya):
Stepping from wooden floor to grainy sand, and shrinking from six players to two, the volleyball team is making adjustments as it heads to the beach.
The transition from specializing in one position to taking on all positions to protect a full court is something that San Jose State volleyball players go through every year when moving from indoor to beach volleyball.
The team had a decent indoor season finishing No. 5 in the Mountain West Conference of 11 teams. The season also included a victory over then-ranked No. 21 Colorado State.
Now, it is time for the team to prove itself in the same sport with a new atmosphere.
The beach volleyball team was formed four years ago, the same season coaches Aaron and Jolene Shepardson began their tenure.
The majority of the team is composed of indoor volleyball players who at first had a difficult transition into the sand.
“None of our indoor players saw themselves as beach volleyball players,” said head coach Aaron Shepardson.
To the team, beach volleyball is seen as a whole new sport. Most players had little experience on sand before they came to SJSU.
For senior libero Jamie Hirai, the transition was rough, but after four years of experience it has gotten easier to switch from indoor to beach.
Playing strictly indoor her whole life, Hirai now appreciates the dynamic of playing both.
“I’ve grown to love beach more because it is something new,” Hirai said.
Beach volleyball differs from indoor especially in the team aspect. With indoor, six teammates are on the court at all times, whereas beach is the partnership of two athletes who are expected to cover all spots on the court.
That doesn’t stop the squad from supporting each other on the sand.
“We bring our family, our big group culture from indoor to beach,” said senior middle blocker Nandyala Gama.
To Gama, support on the sidelines makes all the difference when transitioning to a more individual style of volleyball.
Although the team is split up into partners for the beach season, they look to still work as one unit.
“Be a player who can play with anyone” is the team mentality according to Gama.
It is easy for a squad to shut off once its season ends, but SJSU volleyball has no intention of doing so.
“I’m looking to be really dynamic and a really big presence on the court,” said junior Julia Goldbeck. “I know that I’m not the biggest or the strongest, but I’m going to work really hard.”
Goldbeck isn’t the only one looking to improve. Gama views her senior season as a final opportunity to show off her efforts.
“I want to keep playing indoor professionally,” Gama said. “I’m taking advantage of this beach season to be more driven and focused.”
The Spartans are stacked against some tough competitors this season. Highly-ranked teams such as Arizona State, Stanford and UC Berkeley will only drive the Spartans to work harder.
“We have to have a sense of urgency to work at it now and get better now,” Shepardson said. “For the most part, we bring that every day.”
The team says it finally has the experience it has been lacking the last four years to hold its own against bigger opponents. Plus, its been finalizing its gameplan to display those strengths this season.
With the program evolving, all eyes will be on the Spartans to see how far they can improve this season.
“I’m just trying to get W’s for my team,” Hirai said. “My main goal is for the team to do really well.”
