A National Championship to remember

The 2021 p1440 National Championship event was definitely one to remember. All year, players work to improve their skills, grow their IQ, become stronger, improve mentally, and the National Championships are the chance for them to finally see the results that they have been working towards.

This year's event was even more special than previous years. First of all, Kerri Walsh Jennings made an appearance the first day to talk before the tournament as well as to be available for autographs and pictures. For so many of the young athletes attending the National Championship event, Kerri had been their idol for years. To be able to hear her perspective and ask her questions was truly a once in a life time experience.

Also, with such a talented group of athletes in attendance, players were pushed in every match they played. No games were "easy," which allowed for even more growth, win or lose. The second day of the three-day tournament was power pools, which also created a competitive environment that you truly cannot find at any other championship tournament. Rain made for abnormal conditions, but also provided experience and the opportunity to grow under what tends to hinder the level of play.

p1440's efforts to expand the game of beach volleyball truly have been extremely successful. People came from all over the nation to compete in this event, and I believe p1440’s potential to grow next-level athletes is endless.