The beach is open.

Beach volleyball that is.

For the first time, male high school athletes throughout the state competed in beach volleyball, the Arizona Interscholastic Association’s newest sport for boys. After a successful trial run last year, the initial regular season launched Monday with 44 teams vying for the top prize, the Division I crown.

In Avondale, Agua Fria hosted Marcos de Niza but not without a hiccup or two. It was bound to happen while the first-year programs find their bearings.

Marcos de Niza’s bus trip was delayed 30 minutes due to a scheduling snafu. Agua Fria fixed an issue with its lines.

But that didn’t negate the athletes from making history Monday.

“Honestly, I’m very happy and honored to be part of this program in its very first year,” Agua Fria captain Herman Montoya said.

At the helm of Agua Fria and Marcos de Niza are two very motivated gentlemen.

At 19 years old Marcos de Niza’s Roman Pool might just be the youngest high school head coach in the state. But his age didn’t keep Pool from wanting to help the school he graduated from.

“I may be young, but that’s a good thing,” he said. “You have a lot of time to learn. So I’m just happy to be here with the guys and teach these guys.”

After graduating from the University of Michigan in 2024, Agua Fria’s Mateo Brown was placed at Agua Fria by Teach for America.

The leadership organization is ‘for those who want to co-create a more just world alongside young people in their communities.’

A Colorado native, Brown has found a new home in Avondale.

“It’s been fun,” the algebra teacher said. “The players definitely make all of the logistical issues and all that other stuff worth it.”

Despite the hot temperatures, Brown’s 16-player roster surely had a memorable time after winning Monday’s home match 4-1.

They can now say that they were the first team in the 69-year history of Agua Fria High to win a boys volleyball match.

A new high school opportunity to compete and create lifelong memories is off to a rousing start.

A couple of Marcos de Niza's players warm up before the school's first ever boys beach volleyball match. (Jose Garcia photo/AZPreps365)