Beach volleyball became an official spring sport at Marlborough last Spring, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. With indoor volleyball players unable to play in the Fall many played in the spring instead, like Emily Rissier ‘24. 

“Beach was a successful, and necessary addition to the Spring sports program. Although I couldn’t play indoor volleyball I was happy to have been able to play beach” said Rissier ‘24.

Some students had been pushing for a beach volleyball program for a long time, such as Caroline Loughran ‘24.

“I’ve wanted to play beach at Marlborough since I came here in 7th grade, and I’m so glad they finally have a program,” Loughran ‘24 said. 

Because beach volleyball is played in the spring when some COVID-19 restrictions were lifted, junior varsity head volleyball coach Janessa Mata and former head varsity volleyball coach Kathleen Luft were able to run a modified program last year.

“Beach volleyball was perfect since it’s outside and played in doubles,” Mata said.  

Students also enjoyed the opportunity to play a new sport, and are excited to potentially have a larger beach volleyball team this year. As athletes are now vaccinated and more open to playing with the pandemic, the program is anticipating even more participation from new students. 

“Hopefully we can get an even bigger team this year!” beach volleyball player, Novin Sheybani ‘24 said. “I loved playing with everyone last year and there was a great sense of community amidst the pandemic.”