Top stories from the sand
Another beach volleyball season, another year of American and Brazilian dominance. But some new stars also came into the fold this season, highlighted by first-time winners on both the men's and women's sides at the 2009 FIVB World Championships. And among the emerging themes on the international tour is that Europeans are starting pick up this game pretty well.
Harley, Schuil highlight men's awards
After each earned Most Outstanding Player honors at three tournaments this season, Brazilian Harley Marques and Dutchman Richard Schuil tied for the FIVB season's MOP award. Harley was also named Most Inspirational and Schuil was second in voting for Best Offensive Player, coming in behind American Phil Dalhausser, who was also named Best Setter and Hitter.
Kessy, Ross close season with gold
The Americans missed on a chance to sweep an FIVB podium for the third time in history, but the U.S. did claim gold and silver at the last event of the season. Jen Kessy and April Ross, the reigning world champions, defeated Angie Akers and Tyra Turner for the title in Thailand, while Lauren Fendrick and Ashley Ivy were upset in the bronze medal match by Russia.
Dutchmen finish on a high
The Netherlands tandem of Reinder Nummerdor and Richard Schuil knew its best results would come later rather than sooner this season, as Schuil's June wedding allowed little training time early in the season. Their vision didn't include three consecutive FIVB gold medals to close out the season, but that's how the 2009 men's FIVB World Tour comes to an end.
2009: Top beach volleyball moments 
2009 FIVB World Tour central 
Top moments of the season
Women's photos from Phuket
Men's shots from Sanya
USA-Brazil World Challenge
Spotlight: Talita Antunes of Brazil
2009 FIVB World Tour - Women - Sanya, China
2009 FIVB World Tour - Men - Hague, Netherlands
2009 FIVB World Tour - Women - Barcelona, Spain
Dane Selznick in Russia
2009 FIVB World Tour - Women - Hague, Netherlands
2009 FIVB World Tour - Men - Aland, Finland
2009 FIVB World Tour - Women - Aland, Finland
2009 AVP Tour - San Francisco Open
2009 FIVB World Tour - Men - Kristiansand, Norway
2009 FIVB World Tour - Women - Kristiansand, Norway
Together again: Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh
Schedule at a glance
There are currently no events in the Universal Sports schedule for Beach Volleyball.
Click below for the full list of upcoming events we're covering.
Latest News
- FIVB AWARDSHarley, Schuil headline men's FIVB awards
- FIVB TOURKessy/Ross close FIVB season with gold
- FIVB TOURSwiss surprise: Americans upset in Sanya
- FIVB TOURDutchmen finish season with third straight title
- TEAM USAUSA Volleyball agrees to give beach players voice
BV: Juliana, Larissa pile onType: Highlights
Sport: Beach Volleyball
BV: Talita, Maria score on mistakeType: Highlights
Sport: Beach Volleyball
BV: Maria, Talita earn game pointType: Highlights
Sport: Beach Volleyball
Larissa, Juliana win 8th title of seasonType: Highlights
Sport: Beach Volleyball
Dutch take crown at homeType: Highlights
Sport: Beach Volleyball
BV: Things go well for DutchType: Highlights
Sport: Beach Volleyball
BV: Schuil slams it homeType: Highlights
Sport: Beach Volleyball
BV: Larissa, Juliana win No. 7Type: Highlights
Sport: Beach Volleyball
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TODD ROGERS' BLOG
Slacking on Vegas Post
It's the end of the year so Todd is a little behind, but here's his recap of Vegas.
TODD ROGERS' BLOG
AZ: Last AVP Tourney of the Year
The last AVP tourney of the year in Arizona was also the best one.
ALAN ABRAHAMSON
Caster Semenya keeps her medal
The 18-year-old South African keeps the gold medal won at the 800 meters in Berlin. The controversy is far from over, however. Plus: not to worry about Michael Phelps, a former IOC marketing director offers a revealing 2016 analysis and why all Twitter fans should be following sports agent Evan Morgenstein.
- Nov. 20-22: FIBT World Cup from Lake Placid
- Nov. 21-22: FINA/ARENA World Cup from Singapore
- Nov. 22: Ironman Arizona
- Nov. 27: FINA Synchronized Swimming World Trophy
- Nov. 28-29: FIS World Cup - Women's GS from Aspen
- Nov. 28-29: FIS World Cup - Men's SG from Lake Louise
Focus on
From Russia with love
Dane Selznick is improving the game of beach volleyball, one country at a time.
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