Wacholder planning a return

Laguna Beach native Rachel Wacholder had a baby in early April, but that’s not going to keep her off the sand for long.

Wacholder is planning a return to the Assn. of Volleyball Professionals Tour with Kerri Walsh, the AVP has announced. The duo is working toward playing at the Hermosa Beach Open, scheduled for Aug. 6-9.

Wacholder, 34, had son Koa on April 3. Her husband, Sean Scott, also plays on the AVP Tour. Wacholder, who now lives in Redondo Beach, has won six AVP Tour titles and finished the season ranked as high as third (2005-06).

Walsh, a two-time Olympic gold medalist with partner Misty May-Treanor, also has an AVP Tour husband in Casey Jennings. She also just welcomed an addition to her family as well when she gave birth to Joseph in May.

May-Treanor is currently out with an Achilles injury. Wacholder and Walsh have had success before, when they won two international tournaments prior to the 2004 Olympics.

Now, they plan to compete together again just months after childbirth.

After the Hermosa Beach Open, there are six tour events left in the season, culminating in the "Best of the Beach" competition in Glendale, Ariz. in late September.

- Matt Szabo