Our Deep Dish Bournemouth women’s team achieved an incredible milestone as they became the first British women’s team to compete in the CEV European Clubs Beach Volleyball Championships in the heart of Montpellier, France! Held in Montpellier’s lively central park, featuring six sand courts, a dedicated local crowd, and vibrant energy with music and food stalls - everything to create the ultimate beach volleyball vibe!
The talented squad included Kamila Maciejewska, Natalia Gruszczynska, Vicky Palmer, Maia Darling, Shannon Baxter, and Ella Watson!
Facing fierce competition, our ladies displayed resilience, skill, and unwavering team spirit throughout the tournament. It was truly a weekend of thrilling matches, powerful moments, and memories we’re excited to share.
Team Performance
In their opening round, our Bournemouth team took on a strong French team from Bordeaux. Despite the tough matchup, they played with intensity, building momentum with every point and finding confidence together on the sand. When day two arrived, they came ready, facing Turkey in a memorable match that became a highlight for the team. Natalia and Kamila captured a set against Turkey, marking a significant achievement for the team and giving the squad a new level of energy and optimism. The result was inspiring and showcased the team’s growth as they held their ground in some highly competitive rallies.
Triumphs & Challenges
The journey was full of proud moments, but also brought unique challenges. Shannon, just 17, made her international debut during the tournament and scored her first international point with a well-placed cut shot—a great highlight in her young career. Victoria Palmer described the moment as “stunning,” reflecting both the team’s pride and their support for each other in every milestone.
This competition was also the first time the team had played in a unique substitute format, a challenge they took in stride. Adapting to this new style took some time, but Ella noted that once they got into the rhythm, "everyone enjoyed the flexibility and support that substitutions allowed". Off the court however, the team faced some unexpected challenges — having to deal with pesky mosquitoes!
What’s next for the Deep Dish Bournemouth Ladies?
With Montpellier behind them, the Bournemouth team is already looking ahead. Shannon, Victoria, and Kamila are focused on upcoming matches in the indoor Super League, bringing the intensity of their beach game to the court. Meanwhile, Ella is heading to Sweden to play in the NEVZA!
And as winter approaches, some of the players are already gearing up for the Deep Dish Winter Series at Crystal Palace, ready to bring their game back to the beach and compete once more!
As Victoria summed it up, “This was a trip of firsts—the first time an English women’s team played in this competition, along with many other firsts, shared with the best squad.”
We couldn’t be prouder of our Deep Dish Bournemouth team for making history, inspiring the British beach volleyball scene, and proving that this is only the beginning for England women’s volleyball at the highest level. Congratulations to the team on this incredible journey, and here’s to many more milestones ahead!
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