Inside the EVP: New season, new tour
by Matt Heath compliments of Beach Volleyball News
Hi Beach Volleyball News readers! My name is Matt Heath. I have played professional beach volleyball full time on the AVP tour since 2002. My experiences on tour were amazing. I feel extremely fortunate to have had 5 years of playing the toughest competition at absolutely incredible locations.
However, this year I am switching gears. At 32 years old, I am forced to consider life off of the beach and in the real world. Enter the EVP tour. I have decided to play this tour out of the Midwest because here I will have the opportunity to continue playing at a high level and pursue a full time career with my brother, Mike, at First Investors out of Tampa, FL.
Nothing can compare to playing against Karch Kiraly, Dalhausser/Rogers and Stein/Lambo each week. As a highly competitive person, I am driven to play against the best but I will say this, you don't want to come into a match against any of these guys without being 110% prepared. Playing on the AVP tour requires a full time commitment. You must train a minimum of 30 hours a week, year round. Long hours on the beach in the sun will take its toll. For ten years the beach volleyball lifestyle was payment enough, but as time catches up with me I can hear the call of the almighty dollar. The only down side to this game I love is that though it requires the same dedication as any professional sport, unless you are one of the top 3 teams, the financial reward doesn't warrant the effort.
The EVP tour is the perfect next step for my career. Here I will be able to compete on their national tour and maintain the friendships I have developed in the beach volleyball community. With the smaller draws and no qualifier to worry about, I will be able to work a five-day week and play on the weekends. Also, I get the opportunity to play against Mark Paaluhi.
This sport will always be a huge part of my life. I have high hopes for this next chapter of my beach volleyball scrapbook. I look forward to bringing you updates and insight from around the EVP tour, in my new EVP tour column "Inside the EVP", here at Beach Volleyball News.
See you in Jacksonville!
Matt Heath is sponsored by Native Eyewear and Beach Volleyball News.