Downstate is excited to announce that we have added world-class talent to our Beach Volleyball program's coaching staff! AVP Professional Adam Niemczynowicz will be the lead trainer for all Downstate Beach programs, as he ramps up the program with his best-in-class training!
In addition to Adam's professional beach background, we're happy to announce that Downstate alumni Emily Kubisco, home from college for the summer, will be sharing her Division I beach volleyball experience and training to Downstate athletes!
Welcome Adam, and welcome back Emily, to the Downstate coaching staff!
Adam Niemczynowicz, native of Poland, played NCAA Div. I volleyball at Concordia College from 2001-2003, helping the Clippers to three consecutive Eastern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association playoff appearances. As a freshman in 2001, he was named to the EIVA All-Tournament Team as Concordia came up one win short of an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
Niemczynowicz has a Masters Degree degree in Physical Education with a dual degree in Volleyball Coaching from the Academy of Physical Education in Gdansk, Poland, and a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting from Concordia, NY. He has been playing professional beach volleyball in Polish National tour finishing 8th in the country, also playing on AVP, Toyota, Jose Cuervo and local tours. He has coached other AVP teams and is the Head Coach of the Men's Volleyball Team at Bard College.
Emily Kubisco currently plays Division 1 beach volleyball at Jacksonville University. Last season, she set a new freshman wins record at Jacksonville. Emily played on Downstate's top National teams for 6 years and also played for Stars and Stripes Beach Volleyball Club.
We're thrilled to have Emily returning to Downstate and giving back to our youth by helping to coach the current generation of beach volleyball athletes!
The Downstate Beach Volleyball Program runs from mid-May through mid-July. Players will be trained on beach volleyball skills and game strategy and will have a chance to compete in games during some practice sessions. Why beach volleyball? Beach volleyball is an excellent means for players to improve their all-around volleyball skills. Playing 2-person beach (doubles) volleyball demands each player learn to execute every aspect of the game: serve, pass, set, attack, block and dig. Beach volleyball is now an NCAA sport with over 100 universities around the country offering programs, many of which also offer beach volleyball scholarships.
Any teams that wish to play in regional tournaments (see list below) can choose the events in which they would like to compete. We will be sending a coach to some of these tournaments, as well.
Beach/Sand Beginners
(This program has been merged into the Intermediate group and will meet at the same time as Intermediate.)
Designed for those new to beach volleyball and/or new to volleyball, in general. We'll teach fundamentals skills of passing, serving, attack and defense, along with how to master these skills in the sand!
Season: May 9th to July 13th (10 Weeks)
Cost: $250
| Putnam Valley | Wed & Thu | 5pm-6pm |
| Lewisboro | Mon & Wed | 5pm-6pm |
| Wappingers | Mon & Wed | 5pm-6pm |
Beach/Sand Intermediate
Designed for athletes with prior volleyball experience. Along with skills and drills to master the fundamentals of passing, serving, attack and defense, we'll work on beach specific mechanics like movement in the sand, how to approach and jump, and working with a partner in all phases of the game. Doubles game play will be held on the 2nd day of each week.
Season: May 9th to July 13th (10 Weeks)
Cost: $450
| Putnam Valley | Wed Practice | 6pm-7:30pm |
| Fri Games | 6pm-9pm (1hr) | |
| Lewisboro | Mon Practice | 6pm-7:30pm |
| Wed Games | 6pm-9pm (1hr) | |
| Wappingers | Mon Practice | 6pm-7:30pm |
| Wed Games | 6pm-9pm (1hr) |
Beach/Sand Advanced
Designed for competitive high school age athletes with significant high level volleyball experience. This intense program will hone the skills of the dedicated athlete and prepare them to compete at the next level! The recommended tournament schedule will include opportunities to qualify for Beach Nationals!
Season: May 9th to July 13th (10 Weeks)
Cost: $500
| Putnam Valley | Wed Practice | 7:30pm-9pm |
| Thu Practice | 6pm-8pm | |
| Lewisboro | Mon Practice | 7:30pm-9pm |
| Fri Practice | 6pm-8pm |
Note, all athletes must be registered with GEVA/USA Volleyball. If you are not already registered, you may select the $30 Developmental Membership. Please complete your GEVA membership before registering for Beach, as you will need to upload membership credentials.
Some Available Tournaments (requires separate registration)
2022 USAV Beach Tour
Iroquois Empire National Qualifier 1
Location TBD
May 21
2022 USAV Beach Tour
Chesapeake Wave Summer National Qualifier
Ocean City, MD
June 11, 2022: Girls 12U, 14U, 18U & Boys 14U
June 12, 2022: Girls 16U & Boys 16U, 18U
2022 USAV Beach Tour
Iroquois Empire National Qualifier 1
Location TBD
June 11
2023 USAV Beach Tour
Chesapeake Wave Late National Qualifier
Clear Brook, VA
2023 USAV Beach Tour
Chesapeake Wave Fall National Qualifier
Rehoboth Beach, DE
USAV Beach Nationals
Location and dates : TBD
General information for the USA National Beach Tour can be found at https://www.nationalbeachtour.com