There are levels of athletes in any sport, invisible lines that define the greats from the good. Not everyone can be Michael Jordan, Serena Williams, April Ross, or Peyton Manning.
I initially defined the different Tiers of professional beach volleyball in the first piece I ever wrote for the AVP back in September of 2019. These are crafted by me and not universally agreed upon (is there anything that is anymore?). But time and again, I return to the Four Tiers to define varying experiences, skill levels, and expectations of the people who play pro beach volleyball in the US.
I reference these Tiers at least once a month. It’s time to amalgamate all the info into one place, a reference point for anyone trying to understand beach volleyball better. Plus – the AVP’s 2022 Schedule really lends itself to this tier idea. Not trying to say I called this format over two years ago, but I’m not not saying that…
Tier 1
These are your poster children – the Olympians, AVP winners, and household names. Tier 1 athletes travel the world and are paid good money to play volleyball. The best coaches challenge them every day to improve on and off the court. Sponsors support their dreams by footing the bill. The opportunity to make it to the Olympics is a reality, a chance to represent the USA on the world stage. These lucky dogs routinely visit the most beautiful beaches and cities in the world— places like Tokyo, Rome, Gstaad, Vienna, and Honolulu.
Tier 1 athletes’ lives consist of travel, coaches, rehab, film, sponsors, stipends, etc. They’ve worked insanely hard and are the best the sport has to offer. They’re living my dream life. Tier 1 beach volleyballers are next level, some of the most extraordinary people I know, and proper role models.
Tier 2
The Second Tier comprises the AVP studs – the players who have been hanging in the Main Draw for years blissfully avoiding the dreaded Qualifier. Some play a bit overseas, but their cup of tea is the domestic tour. Most of them have made it deep into Saturday or Championship Sunday. Top ten finishes are the norm. Many stick with the same partner all year due to their relative success. They boast a handful of sponsors, earn a few big paydays in prize winnings, and can essentially live the life of a professional athlete.
Tier 2 is where a lot of players want to be. Not everyone is the best, the .01% of beach volleyball. Some don’t want to travel internationally or go all out on volleyball. Others are striving for Tier 1 desperately. Regardless, Tier 2 athletes are in a great position – being paid to play the sport we love, steadily improving, and hopefully winning an AVP someday.
Tier 3
I’m quite fond of Tier 3, as it’s where I self-identified for many years as a player. Tier 3 lives on the edge of the Main Draw. We’re never sure if we’re in or out. Most have enough points to be in the Main Draw if we play with someone with more than we have. But God forbid we pick up someone with less. Then we are FOR SURE gonna have to hoof it through a gnarly, three or four-match Qualifier.
Tier 3 doesn’t have the luxury of waiting for the entry list to come out. We’re point-calculators. A few weeks before every tournament, we’re helter-skelter texting other players to see who they’re playing with and subsequently adding them to “The List.” Our math and spreadsheet skills are on point – we compute team totals and create a web of who’s in and who’s out. It’s insane, mildly embarrassing, and admittedly hilarious. If you’re in Tier 3, you know what I’m talking about. You either do this too or have a Type A friend who’s willing to share their List.
Tier 4
Tier 4 athletes are often overlooked, even though they’re some of the most admirable people on tour. These are the ones who work their tails off daily and just haven’t qualified yet. Their skills are almost as good as any, but breaching the Main Draw is formidable. I lived in Tier 4 for two years. It’s so hard to travel to the tournaments and not make it in. It feels impossible to make it, but one day you do, and it all feels worth it. I love the Fourth Tier; you guys are my heroes.
Tiers 3 and 4 are yet to make big money in volleyball. They play because they profoundly adore this sport. They balance practice, gym time, living by the beach, having some semblance of a life, and working a side job (or three). They’re digging in for the love of the game and the promise of what Tier 1 and 2 may bring.
It’s challenging being on the lower end, but the 2022 AVP Schedule just changed everything. Find out why soon.