On a February morning, there’s a casual feel to practice. You wouldn’t guess that Sarah Sponcil and Kelly Claes are scrimmaging China’s volleyball elite, or that they have a shot at representing the USA in the 2020 Summer Olympics.
- Beach volleyball duo in the running to make 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo
- Currently ranked no. 3 in standings, need to rank no. 2
- Preparing to set out on FIVB world tour
It’s early in the qualification process, but Sponcil and Claes have a shot at Tokyo. They have to rank top two amongst USA teams on the FIVB world tour by mid-June. When we spoke to the duo, they sat at number three in the standings.
Finding a partner in beach volleyball can feel a lot like dating. Claes had been bouncing around between running mates, then she linked up with Sponcil in September. It’s only been four months, but the two feel like they’ve known each other for years.
“Oh it’s so dating, this is like such a relationship, it’s such like a marriage,” said Claes.
After four months of playing together, the chemistry is real. The partners are already finishing each others’ sentences.
Claes went to USC, and Sponcil to UCLA, but they’ve managed to forgive each other.
From now through June, a slew of tournaments on the FIVB World Tour awaits the young duo. But first Sponcil’s got to finish up her senior year at UCLA. She also has a chance to win a second straight NCAA championship.
So for now, their time together is sporadic, but once Sponcil is done with school, they’ll hit the road on the world tour to solidify their spot on the rankings
“So excited, we’re just going to play hard and enjoy the journey,” said Sponcil.
They say it’s not about the destination, so for now, Claes and Sponcil are just enjoying the ride to what they hope will be the Tokyo Summer Olympics.