Emily Montano is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Deer Valley High School for AZPreps365.com.

GLENDALE— The Deer Valleys boys beach volleyball team was shut out 5-0 by Eastmark on Monday, as the Firebirds controlled every match. 

In the first match, Deer Valley’s (0-3, 0-0) junior duo of Raul Chavez and Aiden Weigt fell to Eastmark freshman Spencer Box and sophomore Joseph Deasy, 13–21, 19–21. For the second match,  Skyhawks (2-1, 0-1) junior Alex Chavez and freshman Danel Deljkic dropped their match to Firebirds sophomore Skyler Butler and freshman Ethan Barnett, 4–21, 13–21.

The Firebirds carried their momentum, sweeping the remaining three matches. Deer Valley junior Yelynn Kyaw and sophomore Joseph Luevano fell to Eastmark juniors Tonka Rosario and Zac Chan, 13–21, 14–21. In the fourth match, senior Alvaro Ochoa-Chavez and freshman Ory Martinez dropped their match to juniors Aiden Brown and Cameron Gamache, 17–21, 14–21. In the finale, the Thunderbirds’ junior duo of John Schrade and Elias Zirbo came up short against juniors Kabe Alvin and Kaz Guthrie, 21–23, 15–21.

“Beach volleyball is a very challenging sport to learn,” Firebirds coach Rich Lanzoni said. “With only two players on the court, there are no substitutes, and while coaches can watch, we can’t give instructions during play. That means athletes have to figure out on their own—after all the practices—how to win points, sets and matches. Our guys are doing a great job of that, and credit to Deer Valley as well. They showed up and competed hard.”

The Firebirds’ sweep was about more than one win—it reflected the rapid growth of boys beach volleyball in Arizona, where players and coaches see themselves as pioneers shaping the sport’s future.

“We’re proud to be part of a growing sport in boys beach volleyball,” Lanzoni said. “It’s fantastic to help build a program. Last year there were 17 teams, now there are 47, and next year it’s only going to grow even more. I’m really proud to be part of something special here.”

Together, the coaches voiced their belief that boys beach volleyball has the potential to build its own identity and expand.

“I’m hopeful boys beach volleyball will continue to grow,” Skyhawks coach David Potocki said. “Girls’ beach has already become a high school and collegiate sport, and it’s really taken off. I'm hoping that the boys learn to love it like the girls, especially since the shorter players can have success in the beach as compared to indoor, where having height is much more beneficial.”

Deer Valley senior Alvaro Ochoa-Chavez noted that the game feels different compared to indoor, giving teammates more freedom and connection on the sand. Like his coaches, he believes the sport has a bright future if given the opportunity to stand on its own.

“Beach volleyball lets you connect more with your partner because it’s just the two of you—there aren’t five other players behind you like indoors," Ochoa-Chavez said. “It feels freer, too, since you and your teammate have the liberty to make your own decisions on the court.”

As the Firebirds celebrated their sweep, the bigger picture came into focus: boys beach volleyball is carving out its own identity in Arizona, with coaches and players united in pushing the sport forward.

Deer Valley (0-3) will play Agua Fria (3-0) Wednesday at 4 p.m. 

Eastmark (2-1) will play Estrella Foothills (2-2) Wednesday at 6 p.m.