Eric Beranek is a professional beach volleyball coach and former AVP athlete with one clear focus: helping young athletes develop skill, confidence, and a healthy relationship with competition.

​

Raised in Redondo Beach, Eric grew up on the sand surfing and playing volleyball at a young age. That early connection to the beach shaped his belief that sport should be both challenging and enjoyable, an environment where athletes feel supported while learning how to work hard, think clearly, and grow over time.

​

Eric played and coached at almost every level of the game, from youth and high school to collegiate and professional volleyball. He trained under and alongside some of the most respected coaches in the sport and competed on the AVP Tour for 5 years. While those experiences built his technical knowledge, they also taught him something more important: great coaching is not about pushing kids harder, it’s about guiding them smarter.

​

Over the years, Eric has coached beginners, multi-sport athletes, high school standouts, and professionals. He has helped athletes reach milestones such as making varsity teams, earning championships, winning professional events, and just as importantly, regaining confidence after setbacks. His coaching style emphasizes decision-making, communication, and awareness in a positive, structured environment. 

​

In 2021, Eric faced a serious health challenge and later a major injury that ended his playing career. Those experiences further shaped his coaching philosophy. They reinforced the importance of sustainability, perspective, and teaching athletes how to listen to their bodies, manage pressure, and stay grounded in the process not just the outcome.

​

Eric has coached olympic teams, coached at the collegiate level, worked with nationally ranked juniors, started beach programs and currently consults professional athletes. In 2024, he helped prepare a U.S. men’s team for the Paris Olympics as a trainer and consultant. in 2016 he was a volunteer to help prepare a women's team for the 2016 Rio Olympics learning from the best in the industry. Today, his primary focus is youth development.

​

That focus led to the creation of Strandside Beach, a program designed specifically to give young athletes a consistent, year-round beach volleyball training in a supportive, educational environment. Eric saw too many kids who loved the sport but lacked structure, mentorship, or a clear pathway. Strandside was built to change that.

At Strandside, athletes are taught more than skills. They learn how to communicate with teammates, respond to mistakes, and take pride in daily improvement. Practices are intentional, age-appropriate, and designed to challenge athletes without burning them out.

​

For parents, Eric’s goal is simple: to provide a place where your child is coached, supported, and respected, while learning lessons that extend beyond the court. Strandside is not about shortcuts or pressure.
It’s about building strong foundations on the sand and in life.