"SANDS OF TIME" is a complete history of Men's and Women’s beach volleyball, including its roots that began with the indoor game.

After the first women's "Open" tournament in 1958, there were about three women's beach tournaments each year. When the "Early Day's" of women's beach volleyball moved into the 1960's, eventually, tournaments were added on Santa Barbara's East Beach, at the Pier and Rosecrans in Manhattan Beach, the Pier in Hermosa Beach, in Laguna Beach on Main Beach, and San Diego's Mission Beach.

Most of the "Early-Day" women’s beach volleyball tournament results are a matter of legend rather than written recorded results. The people that were there at the time, such as tournament directors, players and fans, are able to relate an "Oral-History" of this era. It became apparent who the tournament winner’s were, when these people detailed their stories, from memory, to create an "Oral-History" of what took place during the "Early-Days" of the women’s beach volleyball circuit.

Although there are no written records to substantiate results, it is said that the team of Jean Brunicardi and Patti Barrett won all of the women’s tournaments that they entered in 1960.

In 1961, Brunicardi began her prolific partnership with Johnette Latreille. The Team of Jean Brunicardi and Johnette Latreille were the most consistent winners during these early years of the women's beach volleyball circuit. From 1961 through 1966, Brunicardi and Latreille won most of the tournaments that they entered together, and were the undisputed queens of the court for that period of time. Again, there are no written documents available to verify their success, but the people that were there all seem to remember that Brunicardi and Latreille were virtually unbeatable.

During the 1960’s, Johnette Latreille was one of the most consistent winner’s on the women’s beach volleyball circuit. In the above photo, Latreille shows-off her setting form during action on Sorrento Beach. Photo courtesy of Kevin Goff	As a team, Johnette Latreille and Jean Brunicardi were unbeatable. During the 1960’s they virtually won every event that they entered together. In the above action Latreille hits a set from Brunicardi (left). Photo courtesy of Kevin Goff
Johnette Latreille passing the ball. Photo courtesy of Bob Van Wagner	Johnette Latreille (#11) blocking. Photo courtesy of Bob Van Wagner

Brunicardi and Latreille are credited with changing the women’s game and bringing it credibility. They were the first women who were able to spike the ball on the beach. This made the women’s game more of an offensive minded game instead of just passing and shooting the ball all over the court. Prior to Brunicardi and Latreille’s partnership, the women’s game was mundane. People would only watch the game just to see the attractive, healthy girls. (Brunicardi and Latreille were two of the most attractive ladies to ever step on the beach). They were able to jump and really hit the ball, and were also known for their exceptional defensive abilities. People started to watch the women’s game for the competition rather than just for scenery.

Latreille said that: "Jean Brunicardi was my favorite women's double partner because of her patience, friendship, agility, and team spirit. We played in many tournaments together, but when we were playing challenge matches on the beach, the other gals would make us split-up so they would have a chance to win and hold the court. We would serve each other to equalize the games!"

Later on into the 1960's, Charlie Saikley decided to help the women gain respect. He started out by coaching a group girls called the "Tyros." He also coached their younger, 11-13 year old sisters, who were called the "Pacers." They all started playing at "Live Oak Park" in Manhattan Beach. There was a sand volleyball court there in the area where the "Tot-Lot" was developed for today’s youngsters. The group included such players as Nina (Grouwinkel) Matthies and Barbara (Grubb) May. Later, in about 1963, they moved down to the Manhattan Beach Pier, where Saikley had lowered the net for women’s beach volleyball. Manhattan Beach had the only courts with nets that were set at the women’s height until 1970. Saikley continued to give coaching hints to all that would listen. This is when Nina Grouwinkel said that she became addicted to the game of beach volleyball.

Some of the top women players of this era included: Georjean Garvey, Mary Jo Peppler, Mary Perry, Patti Barrett, Jean Brunicardi, Johnette Latreille, Rosie Wegrich, and Kathy Gregory

Kathy Hanley spikes a set from Kathy Gregory. Photo courtesy of Suzie Jones	Nina Grouwinkel shows-off her passing ability. Photo courtesy of Bruce Hazelton

Kathy Gregory started her lengthy and successful career of volleyball, playing club volleyball, while a student at Cal State Los Angeles. Gregory was a talkative dynamo, that would interact with the beach crowd, while playing on the beach. This dialog would only be interrupted by outburst of reassurance or critiques of her partner or a verbal attack at her opponents. ie: "is that the best you got!" Gregory said that the verbal barrage would keep her loose and that she enjoyed it.

Kathy Gregory was all smiles whenever she gained another victory. Photo courtesy of Bruce Hazelton	Kathy Gregory hitting the ball during a Manhattan Beach event. Photo courtesy of Bruce Hazelton

Gregory got her beach training at State Beach and Sorrento, where her great defense and renowned command of shots were developed on the courts where the nets were set at the standard mens height.

L-R, Johnette Latreille, Wilt Chamberlain, and Kathy Gregory. Photo courtesy of Bob Van Wagner

Take a look inside Volume #1:

• Chapter 2 #1
• Chapter 2 #2
• Chapter 2 #3
• Chapter 2 #4
• Chapter 2 #5
• Chapter 2 #6
• Chapter 2 #7
• Chapter 2 #8
• Chapter 3 #1
• Chapter 3 #2
• Chapter 3 #3
• Chapter 3 #4
• Chapter 3 #5
• Chapter 4 #1
• Chapter 4 #2
• Chapter 4 #3
• Chapter 4 #4
• Chapter 4 #5
• Chapter 4 #6
• Chapter 4 #7

Sneak Previews to Volume #2:

• Chapter 5 Preview #1
• Chapter 5 Preview #2
• Chapter 5 Preview #3

Information Guides
32 Eighteenth Street
P.O. Box 531
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Phone: 1-800-FIREBKS (1-800-347-3257)
FAX: 310-379-1925
E-Mail: firebks@gte.net
For more information visit www.volleyballbooks.net