For many, Volleyball Beach has become more than just a place to bump the ball around in the sand. It has grown into a vibrant community of friends getting together from all over the Kansas City metro – and sometimes beyond!
For certain, every night at the Beach, players of all skill levels bring on the energy. But what makes Volleyball Beach unique is not the bumps, sets, and serves—it’s the awesome people who play each season.
The Yamnitz Team
Meet the Yamnitz Team!
The Yamnitz Team is a dynamic group of players at Volleyball Beach that has become well known for their energy and love of the game. Variations of the team play at the Beach multiple nights a week, competing across all divisions on Wednesdays and Thursdays – playing in every league season throughout the year! Team captain Kyle Yamnitz shared some background info about the team and what they love most about Volleyball Beach.
How long have you been playing at Volleyball Beach?
I have been playing at Volleyball Beach for 11 years. Members of the team have been playing here for various amounts of time, some for just a few years, and others, like me, for over 10.
Did you play volleyball before joining the league?
I didn’t play volleyball until I came to Volleyball Beach. We have several players on the team who were completely new to the game when they joined. We have other members who played club or high school volleyball, so they had some previous experience. One of the best things about Volleyball Beach is that players of all skill levels can jump right in and enjoy the game!
How did the team form?
The team has evolved over the years and continues to grow and change. I got my start at Volleyball Beach when some friends of mine joined and asked me to play. I actually turned them down a few times before I finally agreed to come out and sub one night for them. After that night, I came back and subbed again the next week. That turned into me subbing in games for them for the rest of the season! I officially joined the team for the next league season – and I’ve been playing at Volleyball Beach ever since. That’s how a lot of people seem to get their start here.
Our team evolved over the years as we made friends with other teams and invited others in to sub. We grew and formed new teams for different nights and times.
League champions in the dome!
Do you have a favorite league season to play in?
It’s hard to say that we have a favorite season of the year to play in. There’s nothing quite like playing out on the sand on a nice summer night, but we also really enjoy the dome during the winter. The temperature is always consistent, and it’s a treat to get out of the cold for a few hours every week.
What are some of your favorite things about Volleyball Beach?
Playing at Volleyball Beach feels like a weekly escape. We come together to let off stress and relax. The community at the Beach also makes it truly special. It’s one of a kind, and the atmosphere here is unlike any other in the city. And for me personally, I’m a beach person, so being able to get out on the sand is a highlight for me!
What advice would you give someone who is new to the Beach?
My advice for someone who is new to volleyball and the leagues is to set aside some time to practice. If you want to improve and get better at volleyball, it is well worth it to do some training with an experienced player. That way, you learn all the skills correctly and don’t form any bad habits that are hard to break later.
My other tip would be to get out there and sub! Subbing on teams each week is a great way to meet new people and find a team to join in the next season.
