Russ Marchewka

U.S. Open Beach Volleyball, 2nd Place

You can follow Russ at www.avpruss.com.

About Russ

WRITTEN BY RUSS MARCHEWKA

Russ Marchewka (mar-chew-ka) was born and raised in San Diego, California, the second of three children. Was a soccer player until high school, where basketball dreams faded when he didn't grow until his senior year. Took up volleyball after "riding the pine" became too boring. He prepped at University of San Diego High School 1996-2000 where he was a two-time all CIF selection.

Awarded a scholarship to UC-Irvine, Russ played there from 2000-2004, helping to lead the Anteaters to their first ever #1 ranking in 2003. Entering college as a middle blocker and finishing his career as a setter, he played every position but libero. Hoping to transfer his utility skills and all-around game to the beach, he began playing in the sand in 2003 but was hindered by injuries for the next three years.

In his first full season on the AVP in 2007, Russ achieved "Rookie" status, qualifying for half of the tournaments. The utility player has transferred to the beach, qualifying with four different partners playing both right and left side. He was the youngest "professional" on the beach in 2007 at 24 years old.

Russ is a rising star on the AVP circuit. Continuing his success from 2007 where he was the runner-up Rookie of the Year, Russ and partner Mike Placek ended the 2008 season as the highest rank, youngest team at 13th. This proved to be a lucky number for a successful 2nd year on tour which included a trip to the semi-finals in the San Diego Grand Slam event.

Another season highlight was his first tour victory on the AVP Developmental tour. In 2008 Russ finished in the top 20 in every tournament of the season, the only player along with his partner to do that outside of the top twelve teams. He was a finalist for the 2008 Most Improved Award, edged out by Nick Lucena who has been on tour 5 years longer. Russ has been featured in Volleyball Magazine, Dig Magazine, and has received consistent exposure in local newspapers across the country. As one of the youngest and most exciting players on the tour (in a sport where the average rookie age is 27.5 and the average top ten player is 32), Russ is the next generation of AVP superstar.

Russ was inspired to get and stay healthy after missing almost 1/3 of the classes his senior year in high school because of illness. After a couple nutrition classes in college he was inspired to take on the task of learning about how to "never get sick again." Russ believes that, health is a choice and has put the last 8 years into studying the human body, how it functions, and how to keep it functioning optimally to beat the aging clock well past 100 years. His passion for health has led to complete lifestyle changes ranging from Organic eating, natural holistic product use, and a positive mental attitude that feeds his easy-going, optimistic outlook on life. An ongoing cause that he likes to promote is environmental awareness.

Notes from Russ: For almost 10 years now I have been studying about health and wellness. I have become so passionate about it that it dominates my life: The way I eat, the way I think, how I drive, what I consume and what I vote for.

Since everyone is unique, health is a fluid and changing state of mind and body. I will never recommend products that I don't believe in or don't use. I really hope we can get a meaningful and helpful community growing and that as a professional athlete I can also be of some entertainment for each of you. Beach volleyball is a true love in my life, and I hope everyone can get out to a tournament soon and have a good time.

Russ as no surprise loves to cook, travel around the world, teach health and wellness, coach kids, watch movies, play ping pong and relax every once in awhile too!