When I warm up now though—especially on center court—there is usually music playing, so I don't really mess with music.

Practice like it's competition and compete like it's another day on the practice court.

The exercises helped get the flexibility back in my ankle and also increased my overall flexibility. As I was getting into my 30s, I wanted to do everything I could to improve my longevity.

I was fortunate to start the sport at a young age. I was 6 years old when my dad started teaching me. We started playing tournaments together when I was 11, in the lower ranking of beach volleyball in California. We weren't playing against kids; we played against grown men, so immediately, I had to raise my game to compete.

We play at the world's most beautiful beaches but in the world's most challenging conditions. It is not like you play one match and you go back to air conditioning. We do it all day long.

I played a kid's game, I got to do it at the beach, and I was able to support my family. I consider myself incredibly lucky.

I thank my dad for my mental longevity and for the fact we played against better competition.