Academy Volleyball would like to congratulateBoys 15 Red players John Curaro and Mark Beckmann for winning the 14U Bronze medal (3rd place overall) this week at the 2017 USA Beach Volleyball Junior National Championships in Siesta Key, Florida.

Despite being seeded 16th (out of 24 teams) at the start of the tournament, the boys were able to advance their position after a successful two days of pool play. The duo earned a spot in the single elimination, 12-team Gold bracket playoffs. The quarterfinal match was a nailbiting 22-20 come-from-behind win. The semi final match then put the team against the current top 14U team in the Country (two USA Beach Junior National team members). While Beckmann and Curaro played a great match, with many exciting plays, the experienced team from California/Florida went on to win the match and the tournament.

Beckmann and Curaro then faced a very strong team from Canada for third place overal - and the Bronze medal! Given this is only their second beach tournament playing together, this pair has a bright future ahead in beach volleyball!