McPeak digs indoor season

The following sentence is not a misprint:

There'll be some hot and heavy beach volleyball action in the area tonight.

That's right, sand (200 tons of it), shorts, bikinis, music -- the whole enchilada will be on display when the AVP Tour invades Allstate Arena as part of the 19-city Crocs Hot Winter Nights Tour.

Among the busload of professional volleyball players scheduled to compete is Holly McPeak, bronze medalist at the 2004 Olympics in Athens.

McPeak, of Manhattan Beach, Calif., is one of just five women worldwide to have competed in all three Olympics in beach volleyball.

Before competing Thursday night at a Tour stop in Omaha, Neb., McPeak spoke to the Daily Herald about her experiences participating in the first indoor volleyball tour of its kind.

Q. What's it like playing sans sun and heat?

A. Actually, the biggest factor is that there's no wind on the indoor tour and that can make a huge difference in how you play.

Q. How much of a culture shock is it for a California girl to experience a Midwest winter?

A. I love it! It's beautiful. I never get to see snow, so I'm loving walking around with a big old coat and gloves.

Q. So will fans see a lot of pasty players out there tonight?

A. Thanks a lot. We're not as tan as usual, but we're tan enough.

Q. In many of the places you're visiting, they set up the volleyball court right on top of a hockey rink. It's got to be freezing for you guys.

A. They manage to get the heat up. (Earlier this week) we were practicing in California and it was 65 degrees and people rode by on bikes and said, "I can't believe you guys are out there in bikinis."

Q. What would you be doing right now if you weren't part of this tour?

A. I'd be at home training; that's why I'm loving this. It's a fun way to jump-start the season.

Q. What should fans expect tonight?

A. It's a great show. Every family that comes out seems to really love it. I think it's such a great concept, one that will definitely grow. We're just trying to get more people out to see what it's all about.

Q. Is the type of sand that's used at these events a big deal?

A. Actually it is. It varies and we have a minimum grade. (Thursday in Omaha) we had great sand, real soft like it is in California.

Q. What are you finding that you like about this indoor tour that you never thought you would?

A. Every player on this bus has enjoyed the experience. The response of the fans has been amazing. We'll sign anything the fans have.

Q. Speaking of the bus, what's it been like traveling around the country with your fellow players?

A. It's been really nice. It's like we're back in college. It's one of the highlights for sure.