Harward and Deberg Win Chicago Playoff
Photo credit: Jenny Sims
Hailey Harward and Kylie Deberg come back from a devastating loss to win a nail-biter playoff set, earning the final spot in the 2024 AVP League.
Competition was fierce at the 2024 AVP Chicago Open the weekend of August 30 through September 1, 2024. The best beach volleyball athletes in the world battled on the sand of Oak Street Beach in the final AVP Heritage Event of 2024. The tournament would decide which teams would advance to the inaugural season of AVP League Play.
Chadwell Supply sponsored competitor, Hailey Harward, called the Chicago tourney “a whirlwind experience” which included a surprise opportunity on Saturday that Harward says she never expected.
“Going into the Chicago tournament, Kylie (Deberg) and I were tied with another women’s team for the final spot in the new AVP League starting this fall,” Harward said.
Hailey and Kylie played hard, winning their first match in three sets. Then, facing the 2023 World Champions, Cheng and Hughes, in the second set, Harward and Deberg came up short. Another loss on Saturday led Hailey to believe their tournament was over.
“Right after our disappointing loss, I went to the lake to cool off,” Harward said. “And I learned that the other women’s team we were tied with for the final League spot also finished in 9th place. We were still completely tied…”
A playoff set was announced, to be played that evening. At stake was the final spot in the AVP League.
“This was a new situation for me - for us,” Harward recalled. “Kylie and I called family and friends for support and prayers… For me, this was a true testimony about how Jesus is my firm foundation. He gave me peace and comfort during this time of uncertainty… Whether we won or lost, His plan would work out for good. With that in mind, I was able to stay present and grounded heading into the match.”
As the sun set over Lake Michigan, Harward and Deberg joined their opponents on Stadium Court. The match was a hard-fought, back-and-forth battle. Hailey and Kylie took the first set, dropped the second, and took the third, 15-12.
“It was a bittersweet victory,” Harward said. “I was so grateful for how Kylie and I bonded throughout this match and fought to the end, but also truly heartbreaking for our opponents who are our friends and are incredible players as well.”
In the end, teamwork, skill, perseverance, and faith propelled Harward and Deberg to the victory, earning them an invitation to AVP League play. The women will team up with the men’s duo of Andy Benesh and Miles Partain to form team “Dallas Dream.”
Don’t miss Dallas Dream - Hailey, Kylie, Andy, and Miles - competing at the Hard Rock Tennis Center in Miami, Florida on September 21-22.
