Sand, sun and superstars — three causes of elation for volleyball fans and Johnson County residents during the George Brett 4v4 Volleyball Showdown on Saturday at Shawnee Mission Beach Volleyball.
For the first time in the professional volleyball tournament’s history, the Showdown made its way to the Sunflower State with Olympians in tow.
Participating athletes this past Saturday in Shawnee included Phil Dalhausser, four-time Olympian and 2008 Olympic Gold Medalist, Carli Lloyd, 2016 Olympic Bronze Medalist (different from the women’s soccer star) and a multitude of other professional volleyball players.
Overall, Saturday’s event hosted more than 2,000 spectators, who came to watch more than 24 professional athletes and seven Olympians compete on the sand courts near Mid-America Sports complex.
Beach Volleyball Hall of Fame inductee and event organizer, Steven Obradovich said the number of attendees is what shocked him the most.
“It’s beyond comprehension to me,” Obradovich said. “I came here at eight in the morning, and it’s packed already. I couldn’t believe it. It’s unbelievable. It far [than] met my expectations.”
Tourney organizer is friends with George Brett
Obradovich planted the tournament’s roots in Newport Beach, California. However, upon hearing from his old friend, Major League Baseball Hall of Famer and Kansas City Royals legend George Brett, it was time to bring the excitement to the Midwest.
“He played volleyball when we were younger, but he obviously wasn’t very good. That’s why he chose baseball,” Obradovich joked while talking about growing up with Brett.
Obradovich called families that Brett mentioned were interested in bringing the event to Kansas. He listened to parents talk about their children in the sport, the love for University of Kansas’ volleyball team and the facilities available.
By the end of the summer, the tournament found its next home.
“I didn’t know what to expect — I don’t think Steve knew what to expect,” Brett said. “When I got here, it blew me away. But, I think next year we’ll be better. The people that are here right now are going to tell their friends — other volleyball enthusiasts — what a great time it was.”
Amateurs faced off against Olympians
One of Brett’s favorite parts of the day was watching the amateur teams that signed up to play against the pros. He enjoyed the eruption from the crowd when the local teams scored. He reveled in the excitement and enthusiasm from the players as they squared up across the net from some of the best volleyball players in the world. Brett described as “a lot of fun.”
From one of the amateur teams, Shawnee Mission Beach Volleyball employee Emily Barto knew she wanted to sign up as soon as Shawnee Mission Beach Volleyball owner Lance Windholz announced the event.
Between the two, she said, it didn’t come as a surprise. Windholz and Barto both played volleyball growing up.
“Getting the bid and getting to play was so much fun,” Barto said. “Volleyball is growing in Kansas City. Just to see this many people out here watching us and the professionals, it’s just a good experience. It’s cool to see.”
For Barto, playing in the semifinals against the professionals was an incredible experience. She said the talent showcased at the tournament will grow the sport in Kansas City in future years: A sentiment shared by Brett and Obradovich.
With clouds few and far between, the blistering sun and heat were bearing down on athletes. However, Dalhausser said living in Orlando and having two teammates from Florida played to their advantage.
However, a mix of chemistry and experience of the team aided in a disadvantage Dalhausser claimed to have.
“The team I’m playing with, we’ve played in like — I don’t know — three four-on-four tournaments now,” Dalhausser said. “Four-on-four is really not my game. I’m more two-on-two. The two Taylors on my team, that’s more of their game. They came from indoor, so it’s kind of like a mix of the boat.”
Players and organizers alike see the potential growth for volleyball in Kansas City and the Midwest alike. Now, the goal is to make next year’s rendition even better.
Brett said he and his team already have ideas brewing. More opportunities for shade, more sponsors, better prize money and, most importantly, more money to donate to Fore the Kids Foundation.
For more information on the tournament, visit here.
Check out more photos from the showdown below.
