CVHS’s Annual Battle of the Sand Volleyball Tournament has commenced. Every April, students form teams of 3-4 players and compete in a bracket-style tournament over two weeks.
The tournament has been a CVHS tradition for years, and students look forward to it every year. Open to students of all grade levels, the tournament features teams of three to four players and is structured into a double-elimination format. Teams that lose a match continue competing in the “loser’s bracket,” while winning teams advance in the “winner’s bracket.” At the conclusion of the tournament, the top team from each bracket plays in a final match to determine the overall champion.
Matches are held during lunch periods on the sand volleyball court, with multiple games occurring daily. According to students involved, the tournament creates a social environment where teams prepare and practice together while awaiting their match calls. Junior Quinn Hickman, a member of last year’s winning team, described her experience on and off the court.
“It’s not just about winning — it’s about the memories you make with your team,” Hickman said. “Everyone’s out there competing, but we’re also laughing, making jokes, and just having fun. I like to say it’s the best time of year.”
Players of all skill levels compete in the tournament, as it is open to everyone. It is one of the few chances during the year for students to compete in a relaxed but exciting environment, allowing students to just have a good time regardless of their experience level.
Junior Nicholas Trackmen, also competing this year, is an avid member of the boys’ volleyball team. Trackmen enjoys the sport a lot and has been competing in the tournament since his freshman year.
“Depending on who you’re playing, the games can be intense. But, honestly, at the end of the day, it’s all just friendly,” Trackmen said. “Like, yeah, you want to win, but you’re also cheering for your friends and celebrating all plays no matter who’s making them.”
Some teams participate purely for the fun of it. Junior Daniella Lopez and her team thrifted matching shirts with funny volleyball memes, gaining many laughs while they were diving for the ball on the sand.
“We didn’t come in expecting to win the whole thing — we just wanted to have fun and make people laugh,” Lopez said. “The shirts were kind of our way of showing that we were there for the vibes.”
As the tournament moves toward its final rounds, students continue to show up to play and support their peers. Whether competing or spectating, many use the tournament as a break from academic pressure during a stressful time of year, especially in the lead-up to AP testing season.
Junior Reese Brush, who participated for the first time this year, reflected on what the tournament meant to her.
“You don’t have to be the best at volleyball to feel like you’re part of something,” Brush said. “It’s just one of those things that reminds you why it’s fun to be at this school.”
The tournament ended the last week of April. The winning team included Quinn Hickman, Chloe Tran, Max Phillip, and Sarah Ramos. Undefeated, this team won by a landslide.
“Winning felt really good and honestly a great way to get close to the end of senior year. I am definitely going to miss this tournament.” said senior Max Phillip.
