August is just around the corner and this year, tri-state lesbians have special reason to rejoice: LezVolley is back!
The 10th annual LezVolley tournament will take place on Saturday, August 14 on the beach at Cherry Grove, Fire Island. 25 teams from New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania will compete, with a record-number of 225 players.
This year marks a milestone for the popular event, which celebrates its 10th anniversary. “We have a whole new generation of women and non-binary groups that are joining us,” organizer Danielle Stanziale tells GO. “It’s really a brand new amazing world for LezVolley.”
Stanziale and Kristine Bungay founded the event in 2011 as a way to attract more lesbian and queer women visitors, whose numbers were dwindling, back to the popular LGBTQ+ vacation spot. LezVolley quickly became a popular summer feature, although like much else last year was suspended due to the Covid pandemic.
Last year’s hiatus, Stanziale believes, is the reason this year’s event has broken registration records. “I really feel the loss they felt last year,” she says. “That’s why this year is so special.”
Although team registration ended on July 14, you can still come cheer on your favorite team. In addition to the tournament, LezVolley features a full roster of events, including the After Party at the Ice Palace ($10 cover for non-players) and a pool show at the Ice Palace on Sunday (free, 3 p.m. E.T.).
For teams who have signed up — especially for players new to the tournament, and maybe even to volleyball — Stanziale offers some advice. “Don’t get overwhelmed by the aggressive teams and have the best time of your life. It’s Cherry Grove!”
For more information, including directions to Cherry Grove, visit the LezVolley website, or follow on LezVolley Facebook.
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