As a lifelong athlete, I had always been drawn to the thrill of competition. However, the routine of runs, gym sessions, and occasional Barry’s Bootcamp classes became the norm for a few years post-college. It wasn’t until the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the status quo that I stumbled upon a new avenue for both fitness and camaraderie – beach volleyball in Santa Monica.

Chapter 1: Unexpected Invitation to the Sand Court

Living near the beach, my roommate and I began taking full advantage of our coastal surroundings. One day, we received an invitation to join a group playing beach volleyball. As a devoted soccer player, the idea of delving into the volleyball scene had never crossed my mind. Yet, on that sunny day, I found myself being coaxed into the game by a fellow soccer enthusiast.

Chapter 2: From Sidelines to Center Court

While I initially preferred basking on the sidelines, soaking in the California sun, destiny had other plans. A fellow soccer player approached me, suggesting I join the volleyball game. Confused, I asserted my allegiance to soccer, but he, too, was a former college soccer player. A challenge-loving spirit, I hesitantly agreed to give it a try. Little did I know, that day on the sand would mark the beginning of my volleyball journey.

Chapter 3: A New Sport, A New Challenge

As we played, he extended an invitation to practice more regularly. The more we practiced, the more I realized my latent love for competition was still alive and well. With each serve, spike, and dive, I discovered the exhilaration of learning a new sport. What started as a casual Saturday game evolved into a summer filled with volleyball training in 2021.

Chapter 4: From Practices to Tournaments

Amidst the sand and the sound of waves, he proposed participating in a volleyball tournament. The idea sent butterflies through me – a whole tournament in a sport I had just started learning? Yet, he reassured me, “Sure you can!” Thus, our summer days transformed into a routine of volleyball practices, sharpening my skills and stoking the competitive fire I didn’t realize I was missing.

Conclusion: The Start of Something New

Little did I know that this volleyball journey wasn’t just about the sport. What began as a mutual love for competition turned into something more. Evening volleyball practices soon evolved into dinner nights, marking the beginning of a new chapter in my life. But, as they say, the best stories are yet to unfold, and those dinner parties are a tale for another post.