Suns Out, Corsairs Out

Two Santa Monica College (SMC) Corsairs women's beach volleyball players practicing on March 4, 2026 at Ocean Park North Beach Volleyball Courts, Santa Monica, Calif during their Queen of the Beach practice before their first conference game on March 6, 2026. SMC Corsairs used this practice to enjoy playing volleyball before the conference opener. (Jordi Garcia Sosa | The Corsair)

Santa Monica College (SMC) Corsairs Womens Beach Volleyball Coach Christian Cammayo diving for the volleyball during SMC’s Queen of the Beach practice on March 4, 2026 at Ocean Park North Beach Volleyball Courts, Santa Monica, Calif. SMC Corsairs used this practice to enjoy playing volleyball before the conference opener on March 6, 2026. (Jordi Garcia Sosa | The Corsair)

A Santa Monica College (SMC) Corsairs women's beach volleyball player diving for the volleyball during SMC’s Queen of the Beach practice on March 4, 2026 at Ocean Park North Beach Volleyball Courts, Santa Monica, Calif. SMC Corsairs used this practice to enjoy playing volleyball before the conference opener on March 6, 2026. (Jordi Garcia Sosa | The Corsair)

The Santa Monica College women’s beach volleyball team had its 37th practice before its first conference match on March 6, 2026. The Corsairs' practice was a bit unusual for their training regimen. SMC held a “Queen of the Beach” tournament, giving its players a way to play volleyball without the pressure to win. 

Head coach Christian Cammayo revealed the reason for the different style of practice was because he wants to enjoy the game before the players are exhausted, but also wants to see where they are weaker to focus on in later practices. 

Many of the players are excited to begin their season and feel that they are in better condition compared to last year.

Freshman blocker Kailaya (Kai) Garcia said, “I think that our girls are energetic and our discipline has gotten 10 times better compared to the beginning of the season.” After being asked about how they will carry the energy from last year's championship win, she said, “We just need to maintain that energy, we need to be big and scary up on that net.” 

With emotions high and energy even higher, players and coaches are excited about the rest of the season. Makena Gamby believes that the team has improved the most in the preseason. “I feel like we have a chance of winning,” she said. While losing their championship players from last year, they believe that they will still have a great presence on the sand. “I think that we’re keeping the strength of our program intact,” said Gamby.

The Corsairs will face off against Bakersfield and Glendale City College at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. respectively, on Friday, March 13, 2026, at their home court, Ocean Park Beach Volleyball Courts.