The Westwood High School volleyball community recently opened a competition-grade sand volleyball court on campus to hold tournaments and help strengthen skills during the volleyball off-season.
Additions like the sand volleyball court contribute to the high standards the volleyball team has achieved, including being undefeated in the 2016 season. As the off-season approaches, Westwood Volleyball Coach Tara Nelson said the team will use the sand court to improve skills for all players.
“We’re really excited to use the sand courts to work on speed and jump training,” Nelson said. “All four girl sports at Westwood practice at the same time, so this court essentially gives us another facility to utilize.”
Construction of the court, funded by volleyball boosters, was completed in conjunction with Round Rock ISD construction staff who helped coordinate contractors, contracts and bids for the project.
“Practicing in the sand improved my ball control and increased my vertical jump by 2.5 inches,” said Cara Dolbear, Westwood volleyball team member. “It’s more difficult to move quickly in the sand, but once you’ve practiced that for a while, moving around on an indoor court is so much easier and more natural.”