St. Johns County is reviewing plans for an 18,000-square-foot volleyball training facility in St. Augustine.
The facility is proposed at 6940 U.S. 1, about a mile south of the Publix Super Market in The Shoppes at Palencia Commons.
Andor Gyulai, a former professional beach volleyball player, is planning the facility.
He and his wife, Vanessa Summers-Gyulai, are the founders of Volleyball1on1.com, a video coaching website the couple launched in 2009. The site features about 3,000 instructional videos and, according to its description, “a library of the best coaches and players in the world sharing their insider tips, techniques, and winning strategies.”
Gyulai said he recently reached 50,000 hours of volleyball coaching.
They relocated to the St. Johns County for its school system.
He and Venessa are parents of Thor, a Vedra High School volleyball player, Veda and Charlie.
“Our feeling is, we live in the best school district in Florida,” he said. “So wouldn’t it be great if you can just get the best volleyball?
According to Gyulai, volleyball coaches and trainers include contributors on the site include Al Scates, Alan Knipe, Brian Gimmillaro, Gary Sato and Sinjin Smith.
Pending approvals, construction could begin by the end of May, Gyulai said. Three indoor courts are initially planned, along with areas for workouts and meditation.
A possible 9,600-square-foot expansion could add three more courts and a $100,000 sound system for guest speakers.
Through its St. Johns Volleyball Club, the couple is now enrolling outdoor summer camps in Nocatee and Fruit Cove, he said. It is designed for youth players in grades four through eight.
For more information, visit stjohnsvolleyballclub.com.
Matthews | DCCM is the civil engineer for the volleyball training facility.
Gyulai said he closed on the 2.4-acre property May 29 for about $1.3 million. It’s not yet recorded with the St. Johns County Property Appraiser.