Mizuno USA Locks In Powerhouse Of Beach Volleyball Skill With Signing Of USA Pros Ross, Gibb And Patterson

NORCROSS, Ga., Aug. 22, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Mizuno USA, the industry leader of volleyball apparel and footwear, introduced the first Mizuno Beach Volleyball apparel line today with the official signing of USA Beach Volleyball player and 2012 Olympic Silver Medalist, April Ross, FIVB ranked USA Men's Volleyball pro teammates, Casey Patterson and Jake Gibb, to the Mizuno family. 

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130822/LA68568-a)

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130822/LA68568-b)

"With the excitement around beach volleyball following the Summer Games in London and the second year of collegiate sand volleyball competition, we want to be a leading force in the game's evolution in the U.S. like we have been for indoor the past 20 years," said Steve Mikolajczak, Team Sports Division Brand Marketing Manager, Mizuno USA. "By entering the category with such high-profile players like Ross, and teammates Gibb and Patterson, volleyball fans and players can see our commitment to the sport and its growth, and can be assured that the new beach volleyball apparel will meet the needs of the beach player."

According to the 2013 Sports and Fitness Association (SFIA) 2013 Participation Report, there has been a steady increase in beach volleyball participation since 2007. The attention to the sport has seen top volleyball clubs adding beach to their roster and the need for appropriate beach volleyball team uniform options.

"Although the basic premise of beach and indoor volleyball is the same, there are some major differences in the demands of the uniform," said Emily Knight, Business Unit Manager, Volleyball Apparel and Accessories. "It was critical for us to create the right 'fit,' from the cut of the suit to the fabric and technology; through our R&D process we were able to create an apparel line that meets the needs of the beach volleyball player."

Since late 2012, wear-testing has been conducted on all beach apparel items by multiple USA Volleyball players, including Ross, Gibb and Patterson, in order to develop and refine the optimal fit. The new beach line features an athletic cut that allows full-range of motion for every moment of play, Mizuno's moisture-wicking technology, DryLite™, and has been light-tested to ensure color resiliency against hours of harsh sunlight.

The first Women's Beach Apparel line includes six essential items that can also be paired with apparel items from the popular indoor volleyball line. The new beach apparel line will be available for club orders only through local team dealers starting Sept. 1 and for individual purchase online at www.mizunovolleyball.com on Oct. 1.

• Beach Magnus Top, $45
• Beach Libertas Top, $45
• Beach Fortis Brief, $36
• Beach Omnis Tight, $44
• Hybrid Tank, $42
• Hybrid Bra Top, $36

For Men's Beach players, Mizuno offers a custom-designed Sublimated Boardshort made of a four-way stretch woven fabric to give the flexibility needed for play. Since May 2013, Gibb and Patterson have worn the Mizuno Sublimated Men's Boardshort in competition with high remarks on the look, quality and comfort. Teams can custom design their own Mizuno Sublimated Men's Boardshort to achieve their desired look. A minimum 12 Boardshorts are required per custom order.  

The suits and Boardshort will be front and center from Aug. 23 – 25 at the historic Manhattan Beach Open where Ross, Gibb and Patterson are top-ranked teams. The momentum of the 2013 season is expected to continue following the Men's and Women's Gold medal wins at the World Series of Beach Volleyball Tournament in Long Beach in July.

Join Mizuno Volleyball on Facebook or Twitter @MizunoVolley for brand updates, product news and ambassador highlights.

Volleyball clubs interested to place a team order can contact their local team dealer or call Mizuno Customer Service at 1-800-966-1211 to locate the nearest representative.

About Mizuno USA
Mizuno USA, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mizuno Corporation, one of the largest specialty sporting goods manufacturers in the world. Mizuno USA, Inc. manufactures and distributes golf, baseball, softball, running, track & field, and volleyball equipment, apparel, and footwear for North America.  Mizuno USA, Inc. is based in Norcross, Georgia.

SOURCE Mizuno USA