The AVP: America's Hottest Sports League is . . . Volleyball?

Great athletes, great bodies, and a great sport; ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the AVP. The AVP (The Association of Volleyball Professionals) is the U.S pro beach volleyball league, and it's finally starting to gain popularity. More popular in other countries, beach volleyball is starting to garner attention in the states. Sponsored by Crocs (the comfortable shoe line), the AVP tries to embrace both the older generation and younger culture to create a fun atmosphere for all. While there are many reasons to get into this up and coming league, there are three major points of the AVP that simply cannot be ignored.

The Juggernaut that is the women's team of Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh has quickly become one of the focal points of the AVP. These two women are considered the best in the world, and have the credentials to prove it. The 2004 Olympic champions, May and Walsh have taken the world by storm, also winning the last 5 world championships, helping the United States emerge as a beach volleyball power house. Misty May has already accumulated over 1 million dollars in career earnings with many years to come. This current season, these two women have already won 9 of the 10 tournaments that they've played in. They seem unstoppable, and everyone loves to either root for the best team, or go for whoever is against them. They bring international prestige to the AVP, and give the league credit for its level of play.

One thing about beach volleyball that is hard to ignore is the physiques of the many players who play on the tour. The women play in bikinis, and the men play in board shorts. The fact that these athletes are scantily clad has been a double edged sword for the sport, however. While most like to see the athletic bodies of the players, others see no need for it and view it as a tasteless move. Either way, it's hard to deny the beauty (and pleasure) of seeing muscular, fit bodies.

The most important aspect of the league, however, is the game itself. Those who are fans of indoor volleyball can find that twisted, crazy sibling in beach volleyball. Many players who played indoor volleyball move on to beach volleyball after they graduate. There are rule differences, and the beach game can seem significantly different, but it is a newer, exciting twist on the game. All of the great ideas of volleyball are there: the blocks, hits, digs and serves, but in different circumstances. Rally points are more interesting and exciting with only two people to struggle to keep a ball in play, and there is a bigger focus on placement, as with only two players, the sand court has major holes. All of these factor in to a more personal, competitive game.

The AVP was founded in 1983, but is now growing, with more players, bigger prizes, and huge sponsors. Crocs, Fiji, Bud Light, McDonalds, Gatorade, Xbox 360 and other corporations have seen the amazing potential in the league. Fox is beginning to cover more games on TV, as well as NBC. With tournaments in cities across the nation, anyone, young or old, can get into and enjoy this new, exciting league.