About Northbound Beach Volleyball Juniors

Volleyball has been a lifelong passion of mine—not just for the sport itself, but for the incredible friendships and connections it has brought into my life. The community, the competition, and the challenges have shaped me both as a player and a person. However, what I love most about volleyball is the relationships that grow from it.

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For many young athletes, the volleyball world can seem limited to high-dollar club teams or university programs, leaving them feeling as if their value is tied to scholarships or elite team placements. As a longtime coach and player, I’ve seen too many athletes afraid to make mistakes, hesitant to show weaknesses, and defining their worth by rankings and rosters. I want to change that.

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Northbound Beach Volleyball was born from this vision—to provide young athletes with a space to grow, compete, and fall in love with the game without the pressures of traditional club volleyball. A few years ago, I started this journey with my own son. At the time, there were no youth beach volleyball leagues available—only adult leagues. I wanted to create a space where kids could play competitively yet freely, without rigid coaching, just enjoying the game with their friends. We started with 10 teams three years ago, and today, we are running out of space—a testament to how much this program was needed.

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With boys' volleyball still in its infancy in Minnesota, my goal is to continue expanding opportunities for young athletes to get involved at an earlier age. Every player deserves the chance to experience the joy, competition, and camaraderie that volleyball brings. Whether they pursue it competitively or recreationally, I want them to know that volleyball doesn’t end when high school or college does. There is a whole world of opportunities beyond that, and I’m here to help open that door for the next generation.

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At Northbound Beach Volleyball, our mission is to create a positive and engaging space for youth athletes to grow through sand volleyball. Training on sand not only protects joints but also boosts agility, endurance, and ball control. Our experienced coaches are dedicated to helping players of all skill levels reach their potential while having fun.

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We believe beach volleyball fosters more than just athletic skills—it builds resilience, leadership, and a lifelong love for the game. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, you'll find programs tailored to meet you where you are.

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Go North. Play Hard. Dream Big.

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Alison Zimpfer

Founder