Phil Dalhausser takes AVP League Championship at Oak Street Beach
Phil Dalhausser, one of the most decorated Beach-Volley players of all time, had not experienced victories for a long time.
It was in 2022, to be exact. After winning the AVP league championship in Oak Street Beach on Sunday with his teammate from Palm Beach Passion, Trevor Crabbe, however, Dalhausser made.
“The last time I won an event was in 2022, so I sort of forgotten what it feels,” said Dalhausser. “It turns out that it really feels good.
“There is something I found that never ages, and it’s a winner.”
The AVP season ended with the team championships on Sunday, starting with the Brooklyn Blaze team from Lexy Denaburg and Julia Donlin winning the female title. Crabbe and Dalhausser took out the favorite from the crowd Hagen Smith and Logan Webber from the launch of the, 15-12, 16-14, to win the male title.
The passion increased by 14-12 in the second set with a chance to put it away. The launch kept him interesting before Dalhausser dropped a big block to finish the match and win the title.
“Too interesting for my taste,” said Dalhausser.
Earlier in the week, Dalhausser’s wife, Jen, posted on social networks that Dalhausser would return in 2026. The 45 -year -old man had previously announced that he was retiring after this season.
“Before the season, I said to myself, 100%, I am so above,” said Dalhausser. “Enough of that that leads every day. If I miss a training, it’s in the bottom of my mind. If I eat a snickers, it’s like, guy, you shouldn’t eat that. It’s constantly in my head. I think it’s the kind of thing that makes me move forward at 45.”
In addition to his wife by saying on the social networks that she has too much fun for him to hang up, other factors have started to enter the head to Dalhausser over the summer.
“I play the right ball,” said Dalhausser. “All the love of fans all the season,” you can’t go “and” one more “, it has slowly ruled out. Then we saw him again next season and it was a kind of evidence.”
Crabbe, 35, was also delighted to hear the news. He said he had grown up watching Dalhausser, never expecting to have the chance to play with him. Now they bring together another season together.
“When he gave me the call he came back, I was quite excited,” said Crabbe. “We played the right ball. I think we just improved over the season. We will go back to it next year. ”
On the female side, the Brooklyn Blaze team from Denaburg and Donlin stayed hot all weekend to capture the team championship.
After a quarter-final victory over Kelly Cheng and the native of Naperville Molly Shaw on Saturday, they withdrew Taryn Brasher and Kristen Nuss from seeded in Sunday morning semi-finals.
“It was a quick turnaround,” said Donlin.
Photos: AVP league championships in Oak Street Beach
In the meantime, the Canadian duo of Melissa Humana-Paredes and Brandie Wilkerson, the Olympic silver medalists from Paris 2024 which make up the passion of Palm Beach. The fire was dominant to win the title, 15-10, 15-10, winning an automatic place for the 2026 season in the process.
“You expect them to play at the level they are capable of,” said Donlin. “Then stay patient because we have their heads, but keep the pressure.”
Denaburg and Donlin had each of the friends and the family, which makes the championship even more special for them.
“It is difficult to put words,” said Denaburg. “I wouldn’t be who I am without my support system. I am so grateful to be able to have them in the stands and play for them. ”
Dalhausser, the 2008 Olympic gold medalist, proves that age is only a certain number of volleyball. He spoke of the legendary player and coach Karch Kiraly speaking of his own longevity.
“It is not because someone says that I am old at 45 that I cannot play,” said Dalhausser. “I bump, put and swivel all my life.”
The nature of the AVP league also calls on Dalhausser. Instead of playing intense double elimination tournaments every weekend, the unique elimination calendar suits it better.
“The league is great for me because I do not train like these guys,” said Dalhausser. “During a tournament on Sunday, my legs feel 25 pounds heavier. This is part of the reason I come back.
Crabbe is happy to be along the journey. Associated for the first time this season and now leaving a league championship, he is looking forward to 2026.
“It’s pretty great,” said Crabbe. “Phil has just enough juice in the tank to play at a high level and win the tournament.”
Paul Johnson is an independent journalist for the Chicago Tribune.
