TMCVball:
Who are the new up and coming players?
David Williams:
After bursting onto the WPVA tour last year with Liz Masakayan, Elaine Youngs is the most exciting of the new stars. The new team of Blomquist/Wood is having good success on the FIVB tour so far this year. Be sure to keep your eyes on Leanne Schuster and Nancy Mason.
TMCVball:
What about the PS Stargames events? Do they conflict with the AVL?
David Williams:
No. Jerry Solomon at Stargames and Eric Spector at Trident Media have open communication and are working together quite well to coordinate schedules.
TMCVball:
Which WPVA players are going to be playing in in "Best of the Beach" event in Huntington Beach?
David Williams:
Holly McPeak, Lisa Arce, Linda Hanley, Barbra Fontana, Patty Dodd, Krista Blomquist, Nancy Reno, Elaine Youngs, Angela Rock, Karri Poppinga, Gail Castro, Gayle Stammer, Deb Richardson, and Chris Schaefer.
TMCVball:
When are we going to get to see this new league in action?
David Williams:
The American Volleyball League kicks off August 28th - 30th in Del Mar,
California. Next season will begin in late March and conclude in September with 10 events and $600,000 in prize money.
Well, thanks to David Williams for clearing the air on this whole matter. I know that it has must of been a tough year for you and I wish you, Trident Media and the new AVL all the luck in their future endeavors. I know the fans are excited about seeing the women of the beach back in action.
David Williams Parting Words:
The demise of the WPVA is a tragedy and a black mark against women's sports. However, I feel that to focus on the past is to deny the future, and women's beach volleyball has a promising future. The American Volleyball League and PS Stargames are constructing a future that will enable our world class athletes to make a living playing the sport that they love. Stay tuned, you will love it too.
