First-Ever Volleyball Tournament Takes Off in Albuquerque

When most people who haven’t been to Albuquerque are asked for their thoughts on the city, typically little more comes to mind than perhaps an obscure song lyric from a Grateful Dead-type band referencing the places they have played on tour. The last thing most folks associate with the “Duke” city is that it is one of the oldest in the nation.

And most people certainly don’t think of beach volleyball. 

But on Mother’s Day weekend, May 12 and 13, all that changed when the Sandia Mountain Volleyball Classic sprung out of the desert floor at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.

New Mexico actually used to have a robust volley scene. Old timers talk about the days when large grass tournaments would be regular occurrences and the AVP would come hold qualifying events. Those days seemed long gone as the scene sunk into obscure underground status. Lately, New Mexico outdoor volleyball has been seeing a resurrection of sorts. Players of all levels are increasing their participation, from the burgeoning fours and sixes leagues to local doubles tournaments.

The Sandia Mountain Volleyball Classic is a grassroots volleyball effort, planned by local Sonny Marquez and sponsored by the Plastic Clothing Company. Held at Charlie’s Sandbox, six outdoor and two indoor sand courts hosted more than 50 teams in five different divisions over the two-day, double-elimination event. Near-perfect weather of sunshine and temps in the low 80s graced the courts located at the foothills of the Sandia Mountain range. The event exposed locals to national caliber competition while bringing the community together for one big beach volleyball event. 

Desi Vigil, ruler of the “A” division, recognized the benefit to the local scene.

“The tournament was great for Albuquerque and New Mexico in general. We as locals got to enjoy watching the Open players battle one another on our home courts and exhibiting great skills with some really fantastic rallies,” Desi said.

The nearly mile-high elevation had little effect on the teams in the men’s open finals, which featured coasties Ivan Mercer and Justin Phipps of California and Florida, respectively. They defeated Dave Fisher and Jack Quinn, also from Cali. 

The women’s competition was equally impressive. Local Christa Farris teamed with the 6’6 ½ ” Colleen Smith from California to defeat the Colorado team of Jenee Gilliam and Audra Littou in the top women’s division. This was the sentiment echoed pretty much across the board. The chance to compete against high caliber players at a home environment was enjoyed thoroughly by locals.

“The weather was perfect and the competition was fierce. This is definitely the best group of volleyball players I have seen around these parts in a long time. Hopefully this will be the start of more awesome volleyball to come!” said Rachel Petroff, who competed in the women’s “A” division. 

Sure, New Mexico may not have an ocean, a big sandy beach or coconut trees, but beach volleyball in the high-mountain desert is a unique experience more players are seeking out, especially amid the long-standing success of the annual Motherlode in Colorado. Players got to take in a bit more of the local culture at the player’s party held at Sneakerz, a sports bar with a pair of its own sand courts.  Maybe this is a testament to the resiliency and ability of a sport to thrive in the most unlikely of places. 

Dave Kamena, president of Plastic Clothing and a tournament participant, may have summed up the general feel of the event best.

“Well run, perfect weather, and green chile – see you next year!” he said.

The Sandia Mountain Volleyball Classic is slated to become an annual event, bringing out talent from near and far during one of the most beautiful times of year in New Mexico. More information is online.

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Photos: Paul Sanchez