Background

I was born in Redondo Beach, California and have resided in Redondo, Manhattan or Hermosa throughout my life. Currently, I live in Hermosa Hills with my lovely wife, Kelly Collins and 2 sons, Zeke who is 3 and Bryce 1 years old.

Beach Volleyball's Glam Years

In the summer of 1979 I started playing Beach Volleyball at Marine St in Manhattan Beach, at that time an iconic place to play with legends like Brent Frohoff, Mike Dodd, Tim Walmer and Kevin Cleary regularly playing. Like many, I immediately loved the sport, and the lifestyle and after playing what most would describe as "social or weekend volleyball" for a few years, I started to focusing more attention on my game by playing during the week and training specifically for the sport. In 1982 I played in a few California Beach Volleyball Association's (CBVA) tournaments and soon thereafter started competing regularly and started creeping up the CBVA rating system, culminating in obtaining my "AAA rating" in 1994 with Randall Koerv, of Manhattan Beach.

The funny thing is that Randall is 5 ft 8 and as many know I'm 5'11". We were by far the shortest team in the tournament. Needless to say it was fun and a significant achievement, beating Pro teams, Qualifiers and indoor All-Americans in route to our "AAA rating." Later Phil Stutzel, the CBVA president, informed me that "Randall and I were believed to be the shortest doubles team ever to achieve "AAA" status in California."

Of course being tall is a significant attribute in Volleyball, but it's not a requirement. Ball control, footwork, conditioning, strategy and consistently in addition to other factors play a big part in Volleyball success. Of course, these are the things I emphasize in my training and coaching program.

In all I was blessed and remained in top physical condition and thus, competed in the sport at the "AA", "AAA" and Pro Qualifiers for 17 years and was fortunate to qualify and play in the Manhattan, Hermosa, San Diego and Marine St Opens.

Master's National Champion

In 1995 I paired with Brad Slocum of Manhattan Beach and won the Beach National Championship. In the CBVA Masters are 35+ years. 32 Teams from 18 states competed.

Night Life and that "Goofy Nickname"

Of course, Beach Volleyball goes hand in hand with socializing and partying. The nickname "Dansin' Dee" was coined by my buddies at Marine Street. I minored in dance at El Camino College, having taken Ballet, Modern and Jazz Dance classes. I also enjoyed the club scene in the late 70s and 80s..and yes, I'll admit it, even into the 90s. In that era numerous local bars and Clubs hosted dance contests and for many years I jumped into the fray. Of course, all prize money was typically spent on refreshments for my inebriated cheering squad. These type of activities became a weekly ritual and with the tales my friends would communicate resonated around the beach. This soon become a widely recognized part of my persona.

CBVA Tournament Director and CBVA Board Member

Under the tutelage of Mike Cook, a CBVA "Hall of Famer", I served as the CBVA tournament director at Marine Street in Manhattan Beach (my home beach) for 6 years, the last 4 of which I sat on the Board of Directors and headed the Rules and Rratings Committee, Advertising and Sponsorship committee.

Coaching Background

I discovered my appreciation for coaching while covering a class for my former Volleyball partner Lars Hazen. Lars and I played in over 60 tournaments together spanning 3 decades and at one point played in at least one event for 18 straight years, winning two grass Opens and on the beach we placed in the top 4 over 20 times at various CBVA levels.

A Key Coaching Differentiator

When I wasn't dancing the night away or playing Beach Volleyball I was at Cal State University of Northridge (CSUN) where I received my Bachelor's and Masters Degrees in Environmental & Occupational Health and Safety. After a few years in the field working for Hughes Aircraft, Boeing Space and Communications and later DIRECTV Inc I developed a special interest in and received my professional Certificate in Ergonomics (human body mechanics and interface while performing work activities). For over 25 years I had performed time and motion studies and ergonomic evaluations of numerous work tasks and associated activities to increase efficiency and minimize physical and mechanical stress while performing work to promote long term wellness of workers.

Soon I was incorporating important aspects of Ergonomics and Body Mechanics together with my volleyball experience in my volleyball coaching program. This is a key differentiator in my teachings and one of the primary reasons my students get "so good, so fast." My students learn at every level the why aspect. "Why did my pass go astray, what was my position when I contacted the ball, and what was my specific body motion as I was contacting the ball?"

Typically during intermediate skills learning most of my students start to become "self diagnostic" and can identify deficient mechanics and understand this "why component." It goes without saying that this is a crucial component of learning and improving in any sport.

My system of teaching has radically transformed students' game in fairly short order and my students have gone on to tremendous success in VBV, CBVA and other competitions.

Featured on the Fine Living Channel

In 2002 the Fine Living Channel visited some of the more prominent South Bay Volleyball programs and interviewed many Volleyball coaches. I was fortunate that they selected me to be their lead for their series of Volleyball instructional programs. The 8 part series ran in 2003 & 2004.

"Dennis' sense of humor, sharp whit, technical soundness and highly creative descriptions and drills make learning fun and challenging. Moreover, his enthusiasm and energy are intoxicating! Doug Biel, Fine Living Channel.

I am flattered that many other Volleyball instructors, AVP player's spouses, relatives and friends, have taken my classes or sought my advice to improve their own teachings. I also consider myself fortunate to have many indoor coaches suggest that their players take my beach classes in the off season to improve their games.

Final Thought

Beach Volleyball is a combination of so many aspects… physical fitness, strategy, mental toughness, playfulness, "unbridled swagger"… and above all it's a game of energy and the celebration of the soul. After all…. were just big kids sprawling, leaping, sprinting and diving in the ultimate sand box aren't we? What could be more natural or more fun?" Hopefully, I'll see you at the beach.