A Game-Changer for Winter Park: New Beach Volleyball Courts Coming to the Cady Way Complex
Winter Park High School District Champions. Image credit: Rachel Seneff.
We’re thrilled to announce a groundbreaking addition to the Cady Way Complex: three state-of-the-art beach volleyball courts! These courts represent more than just a place to play; they’re a leap forward for sports, community, and recreation in Winter Park.
Beach volleyball began in the 1920s on California beaches as a casual game and evolved into a competitive sport by the 1940s. It gained international attention with the FIVB World Tour in 1987 and debuted as an Olympic sport at the 1996 Atlanta Games. Now, it's a global favorite, blending athleticism and strategy, and is played at professional, collegiate, and youth levels.
The First of Their Kind in Winter Park
Beach volleyball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA), with its inclusion as a girl’s sport marking a major milestone. Until now, there have been no competition-level courts for beach volleyball in the Winter Park area. This new facility changes that, putting our city at the forefront of this popular sport.
The Winter Park High School girls’ team is a force to be reckoned with, being an odds-on favorite to win the state championship this coming spring.
College recruiting for beach volleyball is very competitive. To play at the D1 level, players typically have at least four years of high-level club experience. With the addition of these courts, even more high school sudents can join athletes like Wildcat senior Rachel Seneff, who plans to play for LSU:
With these courts, the team will have a home turf to sharpen their skills, host competitions, and inspire future champions. Expectations are high for their future success, and now the stage is set for them to shine even brighter!
A Hub for Competitive Play
These courts are built to the highest standards, featuring dedicated stands, a scoreboard, and the capacity to host high-level competitions. From high school matches to regional tournaments, Winter Park will become a destination for competitive beach volleyball.
Enjoyed by both boys and girls, club play allows for incredible opportunities young athletes to pursue their college, Olympic, and even pro dreams.
Fun for Everyone
Beach volleyball isn’t just about competitions; these courts are about connection and fun. Whether you’re playing a casual game with friends, organizing a family gathering, or hosting a corporate team-building event, these courts will bring people together. The sand, the sun, and the energy of the game make it the perfect backdrop for creating a day of fun.
Managed by the City of Winter Park
To ensure smooth operation and easy access, the City of Winter Park will oversee reservations and use of the courts. This streamlined system will make it simple for residents, teams, clubs, and groups to book the space for practices, games, and special events.
Building Excitement and Community
The addition of these beach volleyball courts isn’t just about sports—it’s about fostering community. It’s about giving residents and visitors a place to come together, whether they’re cheering on the Winter Park High School girls’ team, participating in a pickup game, or simply enjoying the lively atmosphere of a match.
Image credit: Rachel Seneff
Be Part of the Momentum
Winter Park is making history with the Cady Way Complex renovations, and these beach volleyball courts are a key part of the vision. Together, we’re creating a space where athletes can thrive, families can gather, and the community can grow stronger.
Let’s set up the future together. Your donation is 100% tax deductible. What legacy will you help us create?
With the addition of the three beach volleyball courts, new pool, and enhanced green space, Cady Way will once again be one of the premier sports facilities in Central Florida. But it will go far beyond being a training facility—it will also allow for many more community events to be held there.
📌 Although beach volleyball is currently a high school sport for girls in Florida, both boys and girls actively compete through club programs, with aspirations to play at the collegiate, Olympic, and professional levels.
Our Blue Dolfins Foundation is making this happen for the City, providing 100% of the funding through a mixture of private and corporate funds from well-known community partners. However, more private dollars are needed.
📌 Donations are 100% tax-deductible and can be made in almost any form: cash, checks, Venmo, or even stock gifts. Gift some stock before the end of the year and take advantage of the deduction while avoiding those gains!
👉 Contact Anne Gustin for more info about how to arrange this.
Thank you for your excitement about this project and for being a part of the Blue Dolfins family, 50+ Years Strong!
Stay tuned for updates on the courts' progress and upcoming events. Let’s serve up some excitement, Winter Park—these courts are just the beginning!