On the sandy beach volleyball courts of Chuparosa Park, Chandler High head coach Allen Alexander looks on as his players compete in challenge games to determine team seeding for the upcoming season.

Challenge games pair players to compete in a series of games where winning matters. Teams play head-to-head in quick-paced live action games to 10 adhering to official AIA rules, and the player with the most wins earns the top position and the opportunity to pick their partner.

Alexander instituted the challenge games last season to increase competition, teach the nuances of the two-person beach game and build fundamental skills.

Chandler clinched the 13th seed in last year’s Division I state tournament in dramatic fashion, beating Basha (3-2) in the regular season finale before losing to eventual state champion Perry in a tough first-round sweep (5-0).

A remarkable feat for the first-year head coach and a program in just its second season of existence.

Like many first-year programs, Chandler struggled to find success in its inaugural season.

“We probably won two games our first year,” said senior Rosa Alvarado. “There weren't very many girls who tried out, and our coaches did not have experience in the beach game.”

That all changed when Chandler hired Alexander.

Alexander began his beach volleyball journey 10 years ago as a competitive recreational player — ascending to the AA level — before forming a local beach volleyball league in the East Valley. Weekly adult leagues evolved into junior training, hosting junior tournaments and eventually coaching at the club level before taking over at Chandler.

Alexander’s experience helped a young Chandler team transform into a playoff contender, but to make another run at the state tournament, he must find a way to replace senior anchor Lauren Weintraub.

Weintraub earned a scholarship to play beach volleyball at Arizona State University after leading Chandler’s freshman-laden squad throughout the season. A veteran of indoor and beach volleyball, her ability was instrumental to Chandler’s success.

Replacing Weintraub falls on the shoulders of returning seniors Alvarado and Mikaila Williams.

"We need Mikaila and Rosa to become big-time leaders, along with some of our sophomores, to create a new culture where everyone feels the excitement and fun," said Alexander.

Alvarado and Williams have been playing beach volleyball as a pair for four years. Beginning at the club beach level and continuing into high school, they have formed a unique bond on the court.

“I like having that connection with one person. It is just you and your partner coaching each other throughout the whole thing,” said Alvarado. “We work well together.”

Alvarado and Williams want to use their experience to make a run at the pairs state championship in their final season together. To achieve this lofty goal, they will have to overcome their most apparent disadvantage — height.

Alvarado stands at 5 feet 5 inches tall, and Williams tops out at 5 feet 2 inches tall, making them one of the smallest duos in the state.

“There are shorter girls, but as a team, we are pretty down there,” said Williams.

Despite their height, Williams believes they have the skills to compete with the top teams in the state if they can control their passes and make smart shots.

Alexander supports his players' individual goals, but his emphasis remains on building Chandler’s program. Using the experience his players gained last year, he plans to implement a new style of play unique to Chandler.

"Last year the only expectation I had was to get the girls excited about beach because most of the girls play indoor,” said Alexander. “This year, my goal is to give them more plays, more movement and more design in a system to give us more options,”

The new Chandler system allows Alexander’s players to make calls on the court based on the defensive alignment they see, or to attack a potential weakness in real time. Alexander compares the system to a quarterback reading a defense and calling an audible at the line of scrimmage. By increasing his team’s knowledge schematically, and giving them choices on the court, Alexander believes his team will become more fluid, allowing them to play faster.

A new style of volleyball isn’t the only change that has Alexander enthusiastic about his program.

“There is a lot more interest,” said Alexander.

Chandler finished last season with 12 players on its active roster. This season Alexander estimates he will have 20 players, including eight returning players, increasing competition and excitement.

“If we come with enthusiasm, we’re going to have a good year this year,” said Alexander.

Chandler opens its season at home Feb. 22 at 4 p.m. against Desert Mountain.