Beach Volleyball Arrives at St. Thomas
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – Beach Volleyball, a sport that has exploded in popularity over the past decade and is perfect for the tropical climate of Miami, has arrived at St. Thomas University. On Thursday, the Dominick Miniaci Beach Volleyball Courts were officially dedicated followed by an exhibition featuring pro beach volleyball players.
The Dominick Miniaci Beach Volleyball Courts feature three regulation-size beach volleyball courts, located just to the west of the Fernandez Family Center on the St. Thomas University campus. The courts meet Olympic, professional and college specifications, allowing STU the ability to host sanctioned events. The Gerritts Family donated one court and Gerritts Construction was responsible for the construction of the entire facility. One of the courts was also made possible thanks to a donation by the Nowaczyk Family.
St. Thomas will field a Beach Volleyball team using the Dominick Miniaci Beach Volleyball Courts as its home. The team will begin play in two tournaments this season and is planning a full schedule for the Spring of 2017 which will include the hosting of tournaments at the Dominick Miniaci Beach Volleyball Courts.
The courts were dedicated officially on Thursday and blessed by Monsignor Franklyn Casale, the President of St. Thomas University, with the University's Board of Trustees in attendance. Following the dedication and blessing, several former college and pro Beach Volleyball players staged an exhibition with members of the STU Volleyball team.
The Beach Volleyball players in attendance included St. Thomas University alumna Adriana Montilla, AVP Tour player and international games gold medalist Bonnie Levin, Mexican national player Cynthia Aceves, former Cal State and UNLV standout Leah Maurer, top junior player Mazarine Tsuji, and fitness pro and upcoming South Beach talent Stacia Pape.
Following the exhibition, the courts were open to the St. Thomas University student body for free play, followed by a Faculty/Staff vs. Students game.
For more information on Beach Volleyball at St. Thomas University, stay tuned to stubobcats.com.
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