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The Extreme Volleyball Professionals Beach Volleyball tour returns this year for its second free event on Vanderbilt Beach in Naples.  On May 30, EVP Tour Team Naples will challenge cities including Hermosa Beach, Chicago, Detroit, New York, Miami, St. Louis, Sarasota and many others on this nationally televised tour stop with more than $5,000 in cash and prizes.

The traveling two-on-two beach volleyball series features men’s and women’s professional divisions. There will be a double elimination format with 50 to 60 amateur and professional teams. Local teams are encouraged to enter by registering at evptour.com. Top pros including Mark Paaluhi, Carrie Wright,  and players of the year Dan Schultz and Rasa Virsilaite are expected to compete.   On the women's side Spikekey's Megan Wallin and Kristen Batt will represent Sarasota.  Spikekey won last week the second Dig the Beach Tournament held at Siesta Key.

“Top players from South Florida will be representing the area against some of the best in the country at this year’s Naples event,” said Ross Balling, EVP Tour Commissioner. “The EVP tour is a lot of fun for fans since they actually get to meet pro players and try free volleyball clinics.”

The all-day event will feature hot beach volleyball action from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. There will be free parking at the Vanderbilt Beach parking garage. Cabana Dan’s at Vanderbilt Beach Park will serve water, sodas, smoothies, ice cream and more. The Turtle Club restaurant at Vanderbilt Beach Resort has an outdoor patio near the action for spectators to enjoy lunch. And for fans watching EVP-level play up close, there’ll be chances to win EVP and Corona Light prizes.

Vanderbilt Beach Park is located at 100 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples. From U.S. 41, turn west onto Vanderbilt Beach Road until you reach the beach.

“You get to watch great athletes who perform at the highest level, athletes who work hard all year and get to show their stuff in these one day events,” said Carlos Jimenez, EVP Tour director.“It’s a great way to experience what this tour is all about; meet athletes, learn about the game and the beach volleyball community. It’s unlike any other sport.”

The event will be televised nationally through Comcast Sports Network. “The EVP Tour is a perfect fit for Naples and Collier County,” said Marc van Dam, president of the Sports Council of Collier County.

“It gives us a chance to showcase our Paradise Coast beaches and the entire community.” Since 1991, the EVP Beach Volleyball Tour has been offering high-level beach volleyball events. Amateur competition will also be available for those who want to jump into the action. Information is available on evptour.com and at the Sports Council of Collier County Web site: athletesinparadise.com.