Pounders Open Looks to Forward Founder’s Dream

USA Volleyball Gulf Coast Region returns for the third weekend in a row with a new tournament for the Foley Event Center. The Randy Pounders Memorial Open, hosted by the West Florida Waves Volleyball Club, will run January 26 – 27.

More than 70 girls teams from around the Gulf Coast Region, including Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi will be competing. The teams range in age from 12 to 18.

Tournament director Rachel McMenimen said the event is more than just a tournament, it’s a chance to remember all that Randy Pounders did for volleyball.

“Randy started Volleyball Pensacola over 25 years ago,” McMenimen said. “That club evolved and is now the Wave, the West Florida Volleyball Club. We changed the name of the tournament to honor Randy after his passing in 2006. He was also the head coach at Pensacola Catholic High School.”

Foley Sports Tourism (FST) Sales and Sponsorship Manager Christy Raley said the staff understands how special the Pounders Open is and plans to do all they can to forward Randy’s mission.

“This is our chance to help the Waves grow volleyball as Randy dreamed,” Raley said. “Our goal is to partner with the club and put on a spectacular tournament that will not only keep teams coming back but also share with their friends more about their Foley experience.”

The Randy Pounders Memorial Open runs from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, January 26 and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, January 27. It is open to the public and there is a $5 charge for admission.

For more information on this tournament or any FST event, visit our events page.