Meet Team Ready to Rock!
Team Ready to Rock is right at home at Volleyball Beach, dominating the sand courts every Friday night. Team captain Surina is ready to provide the inside scoop on her team and why they keep coming back to the Beach!
Syrus, Chad, Surina, Jodie, Jax, and Josh
How did your team come together?
One of the members of our team, Josh, had been playing out at Volleyball Beach on a team with his family. My husband, Chad, and I hadn’t really played sand volleyball before until we went on a trip to Mexico, where we played it in Cabo, and we really enjoyed it. So we decided to get a team together and try it out back in 2015, and we have been playing in the leagues ever since!
How did you guys decide on the team name Ready to Rock?
When we first started, my husband had the idea to give our team that name, thinking that one day we would be out on the court warming up for a match, and the other team would show up and ask, “Are you guys ready to rock?” I don’t think that scenario has actually ever played out, but we have kept the name ever since!
How many team members do you have?
Our team just has six members – Chad, me (Surina), Josh, Jax, Jodie, and Syrus. We usually just stick to our core six for the team, and when we need subs, we just find someone to play that night. Josh, Jax, Chad, and I were all on the original team when we began, and over the years playing at the Beach, we met Syrus and Jodie. They eventually joined the team and have become part of our volleyball family!
Did you guys have any volleyball experience when you first started out?
Besides Jodie, our team members had not played volleyball much before we joined the leagues at Volleyball Beach. Jodie had some experience playing in high school and on club teams.
All of us on the team, though, are pretty athletic. I have a background in softball, while my husband, Chad, played soccer. Syrus played soccer as well, and Josh and Jax were both D1 athletes in college for cheerleading.
What was it like first starting out at the Beach?
When we first started, we joined the C league, and we really didn’t know much about the game yet. But the other teams we played against helped us learn as we went, and before we knew it, we were one of the teams helping out the new volleyball players. We’ve really improved over the years, and our team now plays in the BB level.
How would you describe the team’s playing style?
All of us have that sports background that drives our competitiveness, but it’s really all about having a great time. When we do have subs on the team, they always comment on how much fun it is to play with us and how good we keep the vibes on the team.
What league night do you guys usually play?
Ever since we started, Friday evenings have always been our night. As our team has evolved with members getting married and having kids, it has always worked out the best for us.
Do you have a favorite season to play?
I would say our team is a little split on this. Some of us, like Syrus and I, really like to play in the summer when the sun’s out and it’s hot. Other members of our team prefer the slightly cooler seasons like spring and fall.
Does your team ever play in the weekend tournaments?
We will play in a few of the weekend tournaments throughout the year. We’ll play in the Tournament of Champions at the end of the league season, and then we will sign up for some of the charity tournaments hosted at Volleyball Beach. We love getting to play volleyball while also giving back. It’s also an opportunity to play against different teams and see friends we’ve made out there that play on different league nights than us.
Does your team have any team traditions?
Whenever we get an ace, we do what we call a “butt coin” or (butt point). It’s hard to explain without seeing it, but the girls will usually do a snap and spin with our hips out. The guys all have their own versions, too. Everyone does it a little differently, which makes it fun!
Go-to food and drink order?
When it comes to drinks, we are definitely a “tequila team”. And for food, we always like the hummus when it’s hot outside. When it’s a little cooler, we usually go for the sliders and tots.
The team at Josh and Jax’s Colorado wedding!
Do you have a special team moment or memory?
Syrus picked this one out. When the team first started out, Josh and Jax were just dating, but since then, they have gotten married. Our whole team traveled out to their wedding in Winter Park, Colorado, and we all had the best time together.
What would you say is the best thing about Volleyball Beach?
I would have to say it’s the community and the good vibes! I love how there is some many different people who play out there, of all ages, from all different parts of the KC community. Everyone at the Beach is very inviting and nice.
What tip or piece of advice would you give someone considering joining a league?
Just do it! You’ll be so glad that you did, and you’re going to have a great time here.
