The original "Voice of Pro Beach Volleyball" returns to the sand for the 2001 BVA Tour.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (February 1, 2001) --- Beach Volleyball America (BVA), the official U.S. men's and women's pro beach volleyball circuit, announced today the addition of Sam Lagana of Pacific Palisades, Calif. as the "Voice of the BVA Tour." Lagana, who is currently announcing the Los Angeles Avengers arena football home games and USC basketball, will serve as the BVA Tour's lead announcer for the 2001 season.

"Sam's voice is legendary in the sport of beach volleyball," said Lori Okimura, Chief Operating Officer of the BVA Tour. "After taking a brief hiatus from the sport, we were fortunate enough to convince him to join our team. His professionalism will enhance the fan-friendly atmosphere that exists at BVA events."

"The BVA Tour represents what is truly good about beach volleyball" Lagana said. "The combination of women's and men's competition in the Olympic format postured toward interacting with fans of all ages is where beach volleyball needs to be! Charlie and Lori's vision for the BVA Tour is encouraging and the ability to include families, youth and seasoned fans into our events is more in line with my value system and a better way to grow the sport. I have a renewed energy to be back on the beach announcing the sport that I love with the BVA Tour."

In addition to his experience in pro beach volleyball, Lagana provides commentary for a variety of sports including events for the United States Olympic Committee (USOC), Federation Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB), Davis Cup Tennis, collegiate basketball, billiards, polo as well as civic and charitable events. He has provided voice over or announcing talent for commercials and for events televised on NBC Sports, ESPN and Fox Sports and made a cameo appearance in the 1990 motion picture "Side Out" playing himself.

As a professional in the industry, Lagana brings the added benefit of his business acumen to the competition staff of the BVA Tour. Lagana currently serves as the Executive Director of the John R. Wooden Award for the Outstanding Collegiate Basketball Player of the Year and as the Director of Sports Marketing and Business Development of the historic Los Angeles Athletic Club.

Lagana has been a featured speaker for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) at development seminars in Marketing and "Development of Fan Interaction." He aided in the development of the Arthur Ashe "Safe Passage Foundation" in Los Angeles, serves on the City of Los Angeles Coastal Zone Committee and is a Past-President of the United States Youth Volleyball League (USYVL). He is also a member of the Los Angeles Sports Council and the Los Angeles Junior Chamber of Commerce.