Lady Mustang eying beach volleyball in college

Playing volleyball on the beach is no longer just a pastime summer activity.

The sport has grown over the decades to where it is an Olympic sport and a Division I college-sponsored sport.

Grapevine senior right sider hitter Payton Gidney is doing her part to be a part at the college level. She is a part of the 692 Club team out of Coppell that is going to a national tournament next week in Virginia Beach, Va.

Gidney just returned from play two other national tournaments at Hermosa Beach in Southern California. She’s come a long way from going on a whim to play in a tournament with a friend three years ago.

“I loved it,” Gidney said. “Being outside, touching the ball and being more hands-on is something that really drew me to the sport. I just wanted to keep playing it and see how good I could become.”

Gidney (5-8) is hoping that this run or perhaps the spring and summer of 2016 will translate into an opportunity. She’s taken unofficial visits to the University of North Florida and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. Time will tell if those schools or others will offer.

The beach volleyball schedule runs from February through August. There is training six days a week at La Playa DFW in Coppell. If that appears excessive, there’s a reason for that. Gidney began working with a new partner when the season began.

Since there are only two on the court, all of that work is important has to create a connection. The chemistry has to reach such a level that each can communicate with a simple nod or gesture.

“It takes a while for us to reach that and there’s a lot more work involved,” Gidney said. “We talk before a game about what each other likes and how we want to go through our setting drills. We want to make sure how each will cover parts of the court and how we will defend. It’s not easy.

“But I think it definitely makes you a better hitter and a better blocker. It takes a lot of practice ... I think it’s worth it.”

That is what Grapevine head coach Kori Cooper needs as the 2015 season approaches. The Lady Mustangs are coming off a 30-win season, the District 6-5A championship and an appearance in the Class 5A Region I quarterfinals. Leadership is essential from the seniors if this team is going to experience similar success. Gidney will be a two-year starter.

“Payton has established herself as a leader on this team,” Cooper said. “When she is not out there, her presence is missed. Sand volleyball has made her into a very dynamic threat from the service line as an attacker. She sees the court very well and scores when you think it’s impossible. I’m looking forward to seeing how she capitalizes on her leadership role and know she will do a great job.”

Part of that is because the conversion from the strain of the beach to the flat surface of the court adds to Gidney’s ability to score. If she’s active offensively, Grapevine could be in for an interesting season.

“I feel like I’m on a spring on the hardwood court,” Gidney said. “I just have to keep working on my fundamentals and be strong in my serve-receive game and have a big block.”

This story was originally published July 20, 2015 at 3:07 PM with the headline "Lady Mustang eying beach volleyball in college."