6-Man Player Profile: Tommy Becker

Editor's Note: Manhattan Beach Patch has found a few Charlie Saikley 6-Man Volleyball players to profile.

Our first one is on Tommy Becker, a Manhattan Beach native whose family roots go way back  to 1942 in MB. His dad Todd owns, operates and bakes incredible goods at Beckers Bakery and Deli on Manhattan Avenue.

Manhattan Beach Patch: How many years have you played in the 6-Man? From what year to what year?

Tommy Becker: Eight years. My first year was the summer of 2003 before my freshman year of high school and I've played every year since then [2003-2010].

MB Patch: Did you ever miss a year? If so, why?

Becker: In 2009, my team was disqualified for underage partying and we were kicked out of the tournament early in the day on Saturday. We were not able to use Beckers Bakery as a sponsor for the following year also, which is why we switched to Simmzy's. That's the only year I sort of missed.

MB Patch: What schools and leagues have you played volleyball for, indoor and/or beach?

Becker: I played indoor varsity for two years at Mira Costa High School [in Manhattan Beach] and I am now entering my fifth year playing indoor varsity at Loyola University of Chicago, where I'm a team captain.

MB Patch: When did you first begin to play volleyball and why?

Becker: I first started playing volleyball when I was about 10 years old. My parents made my siblings and me do summer camps to stay busy throughout the summer; but, I was never an ocean sports type of kid. I very much preferred the land. So my parents enrolled me in volleyball camps at the Manhattan Beach pier. I ended up loving the sport and I'm so thankful. It has gotten me to where I am today. 

MB Patch: What city do you reside in? What city do you consider "home" and why?

Becker: I live in Manhattan Beach in the summer and Chicago in the fall, winter, and spring. I would definitely consider Manhattan Beach my "home" because it is where I grew up and where my family and friends are. Chicago is just a fun city to live in for me and a great opportunity to get out of the "MB bubble."

MB Patch: How old are you?

Becker: I'm 22.

MB Patch: What do you like about 6-man volleyball in general?

Becker: It's just always better to be part of a bigger team where you can share your passion for volleyball with a handful of people like you. There's nothing better than succeeding on the court with a group of your best friends on the team. I experienced that at Mira Costa, and am experiencing it now at Loyola. It's what keeps me coming back to play volleyball year after year.

MB Patch: What do you like about the Saikley 6-Man?

Becker: I actually love the Saikley 6-Man because of the history behind it. I grew up going down to the beach every year to watch the tournament, until I had to make a team myself, of course with the help of my dad, who had sponsored a team every year since 1984.

My first few years playing in the tournament I did not participate in the partying; however, nowadays the party aspect is part of the reason why I love it so much. The fact that such a huge, diverse group of people are celebrating the sport on such a grand level is very exciting to me. Playing volleyball while partying with your best friends is definitely something special.