(C)sun-sentinel
The beach volleyball scene is alive and well in the Cooper City Optimist Crush summer league that offers recreational play for adults and children. What was once an outdoor hockey rink now serves as four beach volleyball courts at the Cooper City Sports Complex.
The league was the brainchild of Robbie Johnson who was the driving force in getting the program initiated back in 2017. The process took three years to complete, but under commissioner Johnson’s guidance the league has flourished with 350 players registered this summer. Jill Smitherman is the assistant commissioner and clinic supervisor Michael Hartman provides free clinics for the players and coaches to bring up the skill and knowledge levels.
The Crush offer five coed age divisions: 10U, 12U, 14U, seniors and adults.
In the six-team senior division comprising high school players, the FSU squad coached by Yvonne Johnson improved to 9-0 with a 25-13, 25-6 victory over UF. The beach competition features four-on-four play. The FSU team was led by the strong play of Jack Smitherman and Kristen Hernandez.
The 6-foot-4-inch Smitherman comes from a volleyball family and has been playing the indoor and beach game since age 6. The 16-year-old rising junior is also a quarterback for American Senior High School. In a sign of solidarity, his wide receiver Council Allen also joined the FSU team for fun and conditioning purposes.
“I love playing out here and it’s a great way to work out and stay in shape,” Smitherman said. “I’ve been in this league for all three years and the first year there weren’t many teams, but this year you see the explosion in popularity. It’s important to teach the younger players in order for the game and league to move forward. It feels great to help out when I can.”
Other members of the FSU club are Sara Wolf and Kaylee Rizzi.z
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