The 44th annual Laguna Open women’s beach volleyball tournament took place at Main Beach on Saturday, May 11. (L-R): Hitting is Tessa VanWinkle, blocking is Kim Dicello, while Katie Spieler (second Laguna Open win in the last three years), watches.
2019 Women’s Laguna Open Champions: Katie Spieler (Santa Barbara) & Kim Dicella (Carlsbad) defeated Delaynie Maple (Temecula) & Tessa VanWinkle (San Clemente).
The men’s 65th annual tournament is set for June 1-2.
The Men’s historic “Laguna Open” beach volleyball tournament is coming to Main Beach on June 1 and 2. For years the best players in the world have gathered in Laguna to play in this “open,” or highest level tournament. Volleyball legends Randy Stoklos, Sinjin Smith, Tim Hovland and Mike Dodd will be doing play by play on Saturday and Sunday’s live stream on http://www.p1440.com.
The Men’s 65th Annual $10,000 Laguna Open on June 1 and 2 has seen all the stars and most of our Olympians grace Main Beach since 1955, making it the world’s longest running “open” tournament. The prize money could be greater by tournament time as sponsors are still signing up. The new perpetual trophies debuted last year and the men’s was dedicated to the late, great Gene Selznick who won the first 7 Laguna Opens with various partners. Champions for the last 2 years include Taylor Crabb, currently ranked #1 on the pro tour, and his partner Chase Budinger and two-time Olympian Sean Rosenthal who played with Trevor Crabb. Play on both days will start around 9:30 and go all day. There is no cover charge, but seating is limited especially on Sunday.
The Laguna Open is joined this year by five-time Olympian Kerri Walsh Jennings’ event series and digital community, p1440. p1440’s mission is to revolutionize and revitalize the volleyball industry and inspire everyone to live the 1440 minutes in each day with purpose by providing a robust and trusted platform for aspiring and professional athletes, fans and those seeking to live a life of intention, inspiration and optimization.
Volunteers are needed to work as line judges and scorekeepers and students will earn community service hours along with a coveted Laguna Open t-shirt. If you’re interested in watching world class volleyball up close and supporting the Laguna Open, please contact blairapplegate@aol.com.
Sponsors are how the tournament attracts top players and this year money sponsors will enjoy a tax deduction as well as VIP court side seating. You can also buy a team and your name or business will be tied to that team on PA announcements and media. If you’re interested in being a Laguna Open sponsor or buying a team, please contact kirkmorgan@cox.net.
As a non-profit tournament run jointly by The City of Laguna Beach, the California Beach Volleyball Association and p1440, the Laguna Open has a rich history and heritage. A personal favorite of players and fans alike, the setting at Main Beach provides a natural amphitheater enjoyed by all.
Fans will enjoy great DJ music by Laguna’s Laura Buckle and a historic photo display including photos by the late, great Mike Altishin. There will also be volleyball themed beach apparel and accessories for sale by p1440, Plastic Clothing, Jolyn Clothing, Slunks Sportswear, Suja Juice, Juice Plus+ and more. Other Laguna Open sponsors include Skyloft, Inn at Laguna, First Bank, Hobie Sports, Ama Olukai Foundation, The Marine Room, One World One Ocean, The MacGillvray Learning Foundation and Pacific Wealth Management.
For more info and pictures of the Laguna Open, go to “Laguna Beach Volleyball” on Facebook, LagunaOpen on Instagram and LagunaOpen.org on the web. You can see all the Laguna Beach tournaments offered by the California Beach Volleyball Association at http://www.cbva.com. To learn more about p1440 and to watch the tournament live stream, tune in at http://www.p1440.com. Contact the Laguna Open at kirkmorgan@cox.net.