I grew up playing volleyball and the fact that I'm still playing is not surprising. That it's my job, however, certainly is. Driving to the beach in the mornings to hit a ball around is not how I pictured my work schedule.

This is my second full year on the AVP tour and I've gotten the opportunity to travel across the country to play volleyball. This year we had 18 different stops from San Diego to New York and places you wouldn't think volleyball existed, like Louisville Kentucky. It's been a great way to see the country.

Unless you are at the very top of the tour you are always looking for ways to save money, so when possible I avoid paying for a hotel room. This requires creativity, low standards, and the ability to beg strangers. This year in Charleston I stayed with four other players in a local family's game room, between ping pong and foosball tables, and in Colorado a bunch of us shared the floor of an unfurnished apartment. Traveling cheap can be quite an adventure.

Because the beach volleyball world is so small you get to know all the other players. I coach with a couple, date one, and live with four others. It makes for strange friendships because every weekend you compete against them and do whatever you can to destroy them on the court. Each weekend you're trying to take each other's money.

You also get to be around the game's legends. I've played against Karch Kiraly, brainstormed video ideas with Sinjin Smith, and even met Geeter. They all have a passion for volleyball and that's why they are still involved in making it grow.

Some of the big differences between indoor and beach is learning to train without a coach. In club you have Jensen or TG yelling instructions at you. On the beach it's up to you. Some teams hire coaches but the majority of the time you practice, lift, and play on your own. No one is there to get on you to hustle and it is up to you to call timeouts when you are sucking. It puts a big emphasis on self-discipline and takes a truly motivated person who will work hard to succeed.

If you want to play beach volleyball, starting at an early age with the indoor game definitely gives you an advantage. All those ball control drills and touches not only improve your game but also build a solid foundation for skills you work on as a professional. There is a big difference between players who grew up in a club program and those who picked the game up later.

I like to come to Sports Shack and see players work hard and enjoy the game of volleyball. I hope you keep playing as long as possible. As the sport grows there will be more and more opportunities and hopefully what you learn in your time at the Shack will keep you bumping and setting into adulthood. I can think of a few worse things to do for a living.