GetOut Magazine

Former Mesa woman returns to E.V. on Pro Beach Volleyball Tour
By KELLY WILSON
Get Out
April 24, 2003

What do sun, sand, hard bodies and former Mesa resident Leanne McSorley have in common? Theyre all part of the AVP (Association of Volleyball Professionals) Pro Beach Volleyball Tour, which will hit Tempe Beach Park this weekend. McSorley, who went to Mesas Mountain View High School and graduated from ASU, is one of the top players involved in this years tour.

The former East Valley woman says she left Mesa to pursue a career playing volleyball.

I started playing that last semester of school, and obviously you want to be in this area (Manhattan Beach, Calif., where she lives) if you want to play on the beach, the 30-year- old McSorley says. I grew up playing indoors, and I liked the whole team aspect of it. Playing so competitively week in and week out, I was able to travel to places that I wouldn't have been able to go to had I not been playing. It was always my dream to play this sport. To this point, I can't believe I've been playing for nine years.

This year will mark the 20th anniversary of the AVP Tour, which includes new stops in San Diego, Fort Lauderdale and Tempe.

Years ago, AVP did play in Phoenix, McSorley says. We haven't had a stop there in 10 years. It's a new stop. It'll be fun. It's close to the (ASU) campus. I think there will be a good turnout, and we're excited about being there.

The AVP Tour which is comprised of 10 combined mens and womens tournaments with more than $1 million in prize money will feature 48 teams with more than 150 of the worlds top pro beach volleyball players.

I think it's exciting to come and watch people who play this sport for a living, says the athlete, who has earned more than $127,000 in her career so far. They're great athletes who have great physiques. It's an exciting and explosive sport to watch. I think it's a fun event that people of all ages can enjoy.

AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour
Where: Tempe Beach Park, Rio Salado Parkway and Mill Avenue
When: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday
How much: Free to watch; $50 for local players to sign up for the Friday qualifier to earn a place in the tournament. Register at www.avp.com.
Info: www.avp.com

2002 AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour mens final rankings
1) Eric Fonoimoana and Dax Holdren (four victories)
2) Karch Kiraly and Brent Doble (one victory)
3) Canyon Ceman and Mike Whitmarsh (one victory)
4) Eduardo Bacil and Fred Souza
5) Stein Metzger and Kevin Wong

2002 AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour womens final rankings
1) Elaine Youngs and Holly McPeak (nine victories)
2) Misty May and Kerri Walsh (five victories)
3) Annett Davis and Jenny Johnson Jordan (two victories)
4) Carrie Busch and Leanne McSorley
5) Barbra Fontana and Dianne DeNecochea

Party with AVP Players
The AVP-ASU Greek Party (Axis/Radius, 7340 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale) will feature some of the top AVP stars. 8 to 11 p.m. Thursday. $7; free for ladies. AVP stars such as Angie Akers, Sarah Straton, Leanne McSorley, Carrie Busch, Rachel Wacholder and Lisa Arce will appear at the AVP Party (Montis La Casa Vieja, 1 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe). 6 to 9 p.m. Friday. Free.

Mingle with players such as Misty May, Kerri Walsh, Sean Scott, Todd Rogers, Leanne McSorley, Carrie Busch, Scott Davenport, Ian Clark, Nancy Mason, Dianne DeNecochea, Brian Soldano, Jake Elliot, Sean Rosenthal and Larry Witt during the AVP Fan Party with KZON (101.5 FM) (George & Dragon Restaurant, 4240 N. Central Ave., Phoenix). 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday. Free.

Top AVP Players will socialize with fans during the Party With the Pros (Bash on Ash, 230 W. Fifth St., Tempe). 9 to 11 p.m. Saturday. $5.

East Valley beach volleyball leagues
Not quite ready to go pro? Sharpen your skills at these local spots.

Sand Sports Volleyball

Where: Pranksters Too, 7919 E. Thomas Road, #101, Scottsdale (courts are in the rear of the building)
When: Monday: 4 Coed Intermediate; Tuesday: 6 Coed Intermediate; Wednesday: 4 Coed Recreational; Thursday 6 Coed Recreational
How much: $30-$180
Info:

Where: Minder Binders, 715 S. McClintock Drive, Tempe
When: Monday: 6 Coed Recreational; Tuesday: 4 Coed Intermediate; Wednesday: 4 Coed Intermediate; Thursday: 6 Coed Recreational
How much: $30-$180
Info:

Where: Pera Club, 1 E. Continental Drive, Tempe
When: Tuesday: 4-Person Competitive; Tuesday: 6 Coed Recreational; Wednesday: 4 Coed Recreational, 4 Coed Intermediate; Thursday: 6 Coed Recreational, 4 Coed Intermediate
How much: $30-$180
Info:

City of Scottsdale

Where: Scottsdale Ranch Park, 10400 E. Via Linda
When: Monday: 4-Person Power Leagues; Tuesday: 2-Person Power Leagues; Friday: 6-Person Coed Leisure League
How much: $52-$60
Info:

Where: Indian School Park, 4289 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale
When: Monday: 4-Person Power Leagues; Tuesday: 6-Person Coed Leisure League; Wednesday: 2-Person Power Leagues; Thursday: 6-Person Coed Leisure League
How much: $52-$60
Info:

City of Mesa

Where: Gene Autry Sports Complex, 4125 E. McKellips Road, Mesa
When: Tuesday: 2-Person Competitive, 4-Person Competitive; Friday: 6-Person Coed Leisure
How much: $60-$80
Info: