While competing in a tournament at the Huntington Beach pier in June 2010, Olivia Waldowski dove for a ball and came down on a piece of wood submerged in the sand. End of her match, end of her tournament, and end of her season.
Waldowski had to go to the hospital for stitches for the injury, and it would ultimately keep her out of competition through the end of 2010.
On Jan. 4, the Orange County-based women's professional volleyball player filed a lawsuit against the city of Huntington Beach and the AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour.
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On Oct. 28, 2010, Waldowski filed a claim against the city for $10,000, but it was denied. Which is why she's now filed the lawsuit, stating that the playing surfaces were not properly maintained for competition.
According to The Orange County Register, the suit has been filed as an unlimited civil case, which indicates Waldowski, 26, will be seeking at least $25,000 in damages.
While Huntington Beach would certainly have no problem finding the funds if it is forced to pay, the AVP Tour may not be so financially able. The pro tour filed for bankruptcy in October 2010. Right now, the tour's website is inactive, and no tournaments are scheduled.
Waldowski is a 2002 graduate of Irvine High, where she was an honor-roll student and All-American volleyball player. She redshirted one year at the University of Nebraska before transferring to UC Santa Barbara, where she played for four years. By the time she graduated, she had received numerous Big West conference athletic accolades.
Waldowski did not wish to comment for this story.
