Time well spent on the beach.

Grand Canyon University Club Beach Volleyball may have endured a season of limited game play, but the squad took full advantage of the GCU Beach Volleyball Stadium. The Lopes only faced live competition on two occasions. However, they spent the entire spring semester working hard in the sand with team practices and scrimmages.

"We had 5:30 am practices, and they always woke up ready to have fun," said Lopes' Head Coach Mia Martinez. "The fact that they showed up to every practice that they could? That's how you know they really loved volleyball."

In the Lopes two opportunities to compete, they participated in one round-robin style tournament against Ottawa University and Arizona Christian University in late February – followed by another faceoff against Ottawa University the following month.

"We went out and played against schools that are training five days a week," said Martinez. "We still competed with them and took a few sets and matches. There is a bright future ahead for GCU Club Beach Volleyball."

GCU managed to pull out a total of three match wins against OUAZ and ACU over the two weekends of play. However, Martinez was just impressed that the squad pushed through the obstacles that this pandemic year threw at them.

"The players were so flexible with all the cancelations and restrictions," said Martinez. "They were all just along for the ride and showed up with smiling faces. They were always positive and super tough mentally."

The uplifting team culture guided the Lopes through an unimaginable season, so Martinez is excited to see what the future holds for this team.

"They really overcame adversity and did not let anything stop them from their goals," said Martinez. "I am looking forward to building the program even more."