Cape Coral High School’s beach volleyball team has been making a name for themselves as they continue through this season, competing with teamwork and dedication. The Seahawks have created a strong team that encourages both experienced and inexperienced players to continue to develop their skills in the sport.
With an overall record of 3-2 and a Florida ranking of 89, the team is proving its competitiveness on the sand. Though they face challenges in district play, where they currently stand at 0-2, ranking 6th, their effort and growth are obvious.
Beach volleyball, a unique and demanding sport, requires a mix of skill, strategy and endurance. Unlike indoor volleyball, this game is played in pairs, meaning that the athletes must be skilled in all aspects of the game.
Despite these challenges, the Seahawks have embraced the sport and are working hard to improve. Ryn Livingston, a freshman player, has quickly developed her skills after transitioning from indoor volleyball to beach volleyball.
“I’ve been playing beach volleyball for two seasons, so a year in total, but I played indoor for two years,” said Livingston.
She also states that making varsity as a freshman has been one of her biggest accomplishments. “It’s a pretty big deal and also really fun. I think that I have progressed a lot from the start when I didn’t know anything about the beach and now I do, which is a pretty big thing.”
Like many of her fellow teammates, Livingston has big aspirations for the future and hopes to continue playing in college. “I want to go to HSU and play at the beach there, or FIU, any place that is close to home and D1. I want to go to D1.”
Livingston advises anyone interested in the sport to start early and focus on the fundamentals. “Get started on a team and really go for it. Learn the fundamentals first because that’s what’s really going to help you going forward. And learn how to be coachable. That’s the biggest thing, coachability.”
Shaylen Starr, a junior player, has seen incredible growth in her game. “I’ve been playing for three years, since freshman year,” said Starr. She is proud of how far she’s come throughout the years despite coming into the sport with no experience.
She is undecided about playing in college: “I don’t know if I want to play volleyball or not, but I want to try to play volleyball in college.”
Starr encourages new players to leap, “Just go out there and do your best. Everyone starts somewhere.”
Bianka Salinas, a sophomore player, has focused on developing her fundamentals. “My major accomplishments are learning how to pass better and getting the ball over the net,” said Salinas.
Her main advice for new players is to prepare for the physical demands of the sport. “Practice for tryouts. Get used to the conditioning because it’s a lot harder playing in the sand instead of indoors.”
The team has greatly benefited from strong coaching, emphasizing the impact their coaches have had on them.
“Coach Cody has made an impact by showing me where he wants me to be, giving me examples, and really helping me along,” says Livingston. “He’s just phenomenal, and I love being coached by him.”
Salinas adds to this, “They’ve made me a lot better, always being supportive even if I do something wrong. And they always try to help you with anything.”
As the season continues to progress, Cape’s beach volleyball team remains focused on improving their record and gaining valuable experience. With a competitive spirit and their commitment to growth, the Seahawks work hard to establish themselves as a skilled team.
