61 entries, 33 new teams and many medals among them…

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Larissa and Talita will be eyeing back-to-back wins in Fort Lauderdale. Photocredit: Joerg Mitter.

Beach volleyball is back!

Okay well almost…

The first competition of the season is nearly upon us and we can’t wait…and neither can the female stars of beach volleyball!

Yes, it’s under one month until we serve up some sensational beach volleyball action at the Fort Lauderdale Major and our sports department were delighted to see so many entries put their names forward for the fun in the sun between 7-12 February.

Of the 61 teams that have put themselves forward, 17 include experience from the Copacabana at the Rio Olympics back in August, so you can be sure that revenge will certainly be on the menu at the Fort Lauderdale Beach Park.

The big news is that gold medalist Laura Ludwig will definitely miss the tournament as she recovers from a shoulder operation – but her triumphant teammate Kira Walkenhorst will be going for glory for Germany as she pairs up with Julia Groβner.

So not only are we looking forward to seeing all the stars strutting their stuff on the sand again, but we’re pumped to see so many new teams begin their partnerships on the court in Florida.

Over half of the entries that have submitted their names to take part are brand new constellations. 33 in fact.

Two players fresh to the beach and making the jump from the indoor game make up two exciting new partnerships. As we told you during the close season, Maggie Kozuch has joined forces with German Olympian Karla Borger, while Manon Nummerdor-Flier – wife of legendary Dutchman Reinder – pairs up with another 2016 Olympian – Marleen Ramond-van Iersel.

And if that wasn’t enough to get you researching flights to Florida to witness the action, how about new duos such as Brooke Sweat and Summer Ross, Lauren Fendrick and Sarah Hughes (both USA) or Switzerland’s Joana Heidrich and Anouk Vergé-Dépré.

Olympic bronze medalists April Ross and Kerri Walsh Jennings have committed to the 2017 season too and will be present on home sand – as will 2015 Swatch World Tour Finals champions Larissa and Talita – who lost to April and Kerri in that bronze medal match in Rio.

You can check out which of your favorite players and teams have thrown their hat in the ring for Fort Lauderdale by clicking here!

The full list of which 48 teams will go through to the tournament – including wildcards – will be announced on our website very soon – so keep your eyes peeled!