Every athlete knows that off-season work is essential.

Whether it’s weight training or extra running, there are numerous ways that an athlete can stay on top of their game even after the season is over.

Volleyball is no different from any other sport in regards to maintaining a strict off-season workout regimen.

But one player on the Georgia volleyball team has taken a different approach to this proven method, and she doesn’t mind kicking her shoes off to do so.

Adria Fecteau, a freshman setter for the Bulldogs, likes to spend her off-season on the beach.

That’s right. The beach.

Fecteau has spent the past few summers in the sand working on her setting, passing and hitting skills and has taken that extra work indoors to improve her game and contribute as a true freshman this season.

“The beach game is a lot different because it’s only two people, a smaller court, and you can’t get as high because of the sand.It’s hard to jump in,” Fecteau said.

“But it’s really fun and a lot of things from the beach game can apply to the indoor game.”

One aspect of the beach game that has translated into the gym for Fecteau is digging as she is one of just five Bulldog players to reach triple digits in digs this season.

It’s that defensive aptitude and court awareness that has allowed Fecteau to come off the bench and contribute as a freshman, as well as take pressure off of her teammates.

“I think it’s just helped me with my servicing and ball control, just being smart and communicating” Fecteau said.

“You get to pass, set and hit because I’ve played all positions indoors but usually I have my main focus on what I have to do indoor but on the beach you have to put it all together.”

It hasn’t always been fun in the sun for Fecteau as she was forced to play against a familiar face as part of the State Games of North Carolina in 2006.

Adria’s mother, Renata Fecteau, happened to be her opponent for one match and she ultimately lost to her mom.

“I’ve played with her a lot growing up but once I got older, I could play against her. Actually her beach partner’s daughter is my beach partner and it all works out where we both get to play against each other,” Fecteau said.

“It’s just fun and it’s good competition and it took me a long time to be able to keep up with her.”

All family matters aside, Fecteau says that she still has a desire to play in the sand once the season is over.

“I haven’t done it in a while because it’s more of a summer sport but I’m looking forward to doing it in the spring with the team here.” Fecteau said.

As far as her expectations for the rest of the 2009 indoor season, Fecteau wants to continue to learn the collegiate game as well as contribute even more and she knows what specific skills she brings to the team.

“I’m looking forward to getting more experience and just feeling more comfortable in my role with the team and being able to help them out,” Fecteau said.

“My biggest focus is on serving and passing, and I think that my servicing has improved a lot.”

Fecteau’s experience in the sand has made an impact on the court in 2009, and she will look to continue her consistent play indoors even if she has to keep her shoes on.