N※N

Guam Hosts Inaugural Beach Volleyball Classic

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. am-hosts-inaugural-beach-volleyball-classic.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, January 27th 2026 at 0:45 GMT by Pacific Daily News
      Locales: Guam, UNITED STATES

By [Your Name], Staff Writer

UMATAC - The sound of sand being kicked and volleyballs thumping against arms resonated across the Umatac beach this past weekend as the University of Guam (UOG) Beach Volleyball team hosted the inaugural Guam Sand Volleyball Classic. While the tournament itself served as a crucial first step, it's the burgeoning growth of the sport within Guam that represents the most significant story.

Beach volleyball, still a relatively novel concept for Guam, faced understandable growing pains during the Classic. Coach Bill Wright, visibly optimistic despite the learning curve, emphasized the developmental nature of the event. "It's brand new for Guam," Wright explained. "They are still learning the rules, still learning the game. We definitely saw that this weekend. This was a big learning experience for our kids."

The inaugural Classic featured a diverse range of competitors, showcasing the initial enthusiasm for the sport within the community. Teams from the Academy of Our Lady of Mercy (AOLM) Bobcats, Guam High School (GHS) Sharks, and the Notre Dame Educational Federal Credit Union (NDEFCU) Royals all participated, creating a vibrant and competitive atmosphere. However, the focus wasn't solely on victory; it was on laying the groundwork for a sustainable and thriving beach volleyball scene.

"It's all about building a foundation," Wright reiterated. "We want to see this grow and get bigger and better." This sentiment highlights the long-term vision for beach volleyball in Guam - a vision that extends far beyond the immediate results of a single tournament. The inaugural Classic was a necessary, albeit imperfect, step towards achieving that goal.

Throughout the weekend, individual players demonstrated remarkable progress and potential. Coach Wright singled out Sierra Policarpio and Jamie Pangelinan as standouts, praising their individual development. "Sierra has gotten so much better," Wright noted. "She has really stepped up her game. Jamie has really improved her defense. She is reading the hitter and anticipating where the ball is going to go." These individual improvements speak to the dedication of the players and the effectiveness of the coaching staff's efforts to instill fundamental skills and strategic thinking.

The long-term success of beach volleyball in Guam hinges on wider adoption throughout the island's schools. Currently, the UOG team faces the challenge of limited competition, a hurdle that Wright acknowledges is crucial to overcome. "We can't play just each other," he stated plainly. "We need other teams to be able to compete." This isn't just about providing more games; it's about fostering a competitive environment that encourages skill development and fuels the overall growth of the sport.

Looking ahead, Coach Wright's hopes are centered on inspiring other schools to embrace beach volleyball. With increased participation, a more robust league structure can be developed, potentially leading to regional competitions and further opportunities for Guam's athletes. The Guam Sand Volleyball Classic has served as a catalyst, and now, the focus shifts to nurturing the seeds of enthusiasm planted at Umatac beach, ensuring that beach volleyball thrives in Guam for years to come. The challenges remain - establishing consistent rules enforcement, securing suitable beach locations, and garnering the necessary funding - but the foundation has been laid, and the future of beach volleyball on Guam appears bright. The inaugural tournament showcased the passion and potential of the sport and provided invaluable experience for all involved.