Most great business stories don’t start in a boardroom—they start on the sidelines, in the stands, or on the sand. That’s exactly where the story of BeachBum Sportz began: on Southern California’s beaches, where a father watched his kids compete in beach volleyball and imagined something more than just a typical weekend.
What started as a passion for the sport has turned into a growing eco-conscious brand that’s doing more than just selling apparel—it’s building community, championing sustainability, and KEEPING THE BALL IN PLAY in every sense of the phrase.
The Idea: Born on the Beach
For John LaBreche, weekends at the beach weren’t just family time—they were inspiration. With his daughters Molly and Mallory excelling in competitive beach volleyball and his son Jake pursuing business studies at USC, the pieces naturally came together.
They didn’t want to just build a business. They wanted to create something that reflected their family values, love for volleyball, and commitment to sustainability. Thus, BeachBum Sportz was born—with a unique mission: upcycling retired volleyballs into one-of-a-kind, wearable art.
Sustainability Meets Style
BeachBum Sportz launched with an innovative approach to product design: repurpose old volleyballs that would otherwise end up in landfills and transform them into fashionable, durable gear. These limited-edition pieces resonated with players and fans alike, offering something no mass-market brand could—history, personality, and eco-conscious impact stitched into every item.
Each volleyball used has a story—maybe it was spiked by an Olympian or helped a college team win a match. Now, that same ball lives on in the form of hats, visors, or accessories, giving athletes and fans a way to wear their passion and support sustainability at the same time.
Growth Fueled by Community
What makes BeachBum Sportz different isn’t just the products—it’s the people behind them. The LaBreche family built this company with the help of the very community that inspired it: coaches, athletes, event operators, and lifelong friends. Over the past two years, their learning has come from collaboration, humility, and genuine connection.
Along the way, BeachBum Sportz has partnered with Olympians, AVP pros, and collegiate standouts—including legends like Sinjin Smith, aka “The King of the Beach.” These partnerships have helped amplify the brand’s reach while staying true to its mission.
More Than Volleyball
While the company was born in the sand, its reach has expanded beyond beach volleyball. Today, BeachBum Sportz is branching out into gear and apparel for other sports—all while holding true to the same values that built it:
- Eco-friendliness
- Community involvement
- Handcrafted, story-driven products
- Family-first business ethics
As Jake gains hands-on entrepreneurial experience and Molly and Mallory chase collegiate beach volleyball dreams at LSU and UCLA, BeachBum Sportz continues to grow with them. Their journey is as much about passing the torch as it is about building a brand.
“Keep the Ball in Play”: What It Really Means
At BeachBum Sportz, the tagline “KEEPING THE BALL IN PLAY” is more than a slogan. It’s a philosophy.
It means giving old gear new life.
It means staying in the game, even when it gets tough.
It means honoring the journey, not just the destination.
For the LaBreche family, it means bringing their passion for sport and sustainability to every stitch, sale, and story.
Join the Movement
Whether you’re an athlete, a coach, or just a fan of thoughtful design and purpose-driven brands, BeachBum Sportz invites you to be part of something different. Not just a label—but a lifestyle.
Shop the collection, share your story, or just say hi next time you’re on the sand.
We’ll see you out there.
Onward and upward.