Unlike girls high school beach volleyball, boys beach volleyball is not currently a sanctioned sport in California. In 2013, regional coaches from high schools throughout San Diego County got together to bring the sport of boys’ beach volleyball to the high school level. Presently, the association of coaches is running the program as a club sport through JVA, but each “club” team consists of students from each of the respective schools, with conference and CIF sanctioning as the ultimate goal.
In the inaugural 2013 season, 13 schools participated in this JVA insured program. By 2022, approximately 500 student athletes were playing on Varsity and JV teams at 26 participating schools in 4 leagues (Northern, Southern, Eastern & Western), with another three to four schools already planning to join in fall of 2023. Timberwolves Beach Boys Volleyball Club was one of those new programs, forming out of Mission Vista High School a few months ago. In its first season, the program had nineteen athletes of all skill levels from beginner to open level players and was able to field five pairs for Varsity and five pairs for JV. Naturally, most of the players from the high school boys indoor team wanted to join and compete in the San Diego High School Boys Volleyball Beach League.
“The parents, coaches, student athletes and our athletic director have been instrumental in making our inaugural season a success,” stated Co-Director Julie Gibbs-Koleszar.  “Also, the other league teams and coaches with many years of experience were helpful and supportive.”

Timberwolves Beach Boys Volleyball Club is led by Head Coach Ryan McDevitt. He runs the training with another coach andparent, Garrett Koleszar. Ryan grew up playing beach volleyball in Encinitas followed by CBVA tournaments around Southern California. About 9 years ago he started coaching at Tamarack Beach Volleyball Club, a JVA member beach club in Carlsbad, California.  The program has two parent Co-Directors, Michele Krohn and Julie Gibbs-Koleszar, who handle all of the paperwork, management of competition/scheduling, court permits and communication with the League Director and other coaches.

Oceanside Parks and Recreation supported the program with access to great beach courts where the Timberwolves practice twice per week. Competition consists of two matches per week against the other teams in the San Diego High School Boys League. The season runs from August through the first week of November, and then the top individual pairs’ team competes in a 2-day Championship. The Varsity team’s record was 6-4 this year, losing to La Costa Canyon in the Division 2 Quarterfinals.

“We tried to keep it affordable at under $130 for the season,” added Gibbs-Koleszar. “Most of our players also play indoor club so we tried to be mindful and make it affordable,” stated McDevitt.

When it comes to recruiting more athletes, the Timberwolves compete with other fall sport commitments. They’ve planted the seeds in the first season and only see it growing from here.

“The goal for this club is to keep growing the game and win a city championship!  Dave Jones, Commissioner of the league, has been pushing hard for boys beach volleyball to become a CIF sanctioned sport. Hopefully in 5 years high schools all over California will have boys beach volleyball programs,” said McDevitt.

Timberwolves Beach Boys Volleyball Club has exceeded all expectations during their inaugural year.  The culture of this program brought everyone together leading to not only success on the court but a close knit community as well.

“Beach volleyball is a fun but competitive sport and the boys reflected that perfectly. I can’t wait for next year!”

Timberwolves Beach Boys Volleyball Club (San Diego, CA) is a member of the Junior Volleyball Association, an organization committed to enhancing the junior volleyball experience for club directors, coaches, players, and fans. Learn more about the JVA at jvavolleyball.org/

The JVA offers low cost insurance to its members, allowing grade schools, collegiate programs, and organizations across the country to host and run leagues, camps, and tournaments. To learn more about JVA insurance click here.