Meet The Team: Daisy Mumby & Jess Grimson

In the run up to the Commonwealth Games this year, we want to shine a spotlight on the teams hoping to qualify. 

We had a chat with the amazing Daisy Mumby and Jess Grimson! These fantastic ladies have been the talk of the court for the past year. Jess competed in the Commonwealth Games in 2018, and Daisy made her World Tour debut last year.

Jess Grimson

Factfile:

Position & Side: Defender, Right side

Height: 175cm

Date of Birth: 16/03/1991

Hometown: Bournemouth

Tell us a bit about yourself!

Gym, volleyball, coffee, dogs. That's about all that you need to know!

When and how did you get into beach volleyball?

I started playing Beach for fun when I was 15 or so, our indoor club coach used to bring us down to Sandbanks to play tournaments in the Summer. It was so much fun so I kept it going. Took it more seriously when I went to Bath at 18 and became part of the GBR programme.

Do you have any pre-game habits/rituals?

Not particularly, having said that I probably do keep the same routines in terms of getting ready etc. I like to keep things simple, but as soon as it's near game time, I just like to keep focussed. I don't like to talk to lots of people or have much else going on, just the game plan and being with our team.

Of all the events you’ve played, is there a match or tournament that stands out in your mind? Why?

Probably my opening game at the Commonwealth Games in Australia, 2018. First time in a big stadium, being called out in front of 5000+ people, cameras, lights, fireworks the whole thing was a vibe. But being out there representing England on such a big stage in front of friends, family and a crowd is an amazing memory for me.

Outside of beach volleyball, what do you do in your free time?

I drink a lot of coffee, just kidding. Kind of. I love to go home and see my family, spending time with my nephew is my favourite. But I love going to the gym, seeing friends and petting dogs! Until I can commit to rescuing lots of my own this will have to do!

Is there a coach or athlete that you look up to and why?

In terms of a coach, Freda Bussey has played a big part in my volleyball career, if it wasn't for her I wouldn't be playing Volleyball so for that I am eternally grateful! Playing wise I have always looked up to players like Misty May or Laura Ludwig in terms of similar stature etc. But still some of the best players to have graced our sport.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I see myself on a farm, living in the middle of nowhere, on my own, with lots of animals that I have rescued. Short of that I will be living in Bournemouth, enjoying the coast and pushing my career as a Sports Therapist.

Is there any advice you would give to young players?

Just give it a go and enjoy it! It's a great sport that can offer you a lot in terms of life lessons and social skills! Once you start playing more competitively it's easy to forget why you started. So enjoy it and hold onto that!

Daisy Mumby

Factfile:

Position & Side: Blocker, Left side

Height: 187cm

Date of Birth: 16/01/1992

Hometown: London

Tell us a bit about yourself!

I think my closest friends would describe me as quite quirky with a particular sense of humour. I'd agree with them, but also describe myself as a neophile, which I take particularly seriously when it comes to food - you probably won't find me ordering the same thing off the menu more than once.

When and how did you get into beach volleyball?

I first touched a volleyball when I was at school, but didn't start training and playing more competitively until I was at university where I played indoor in the BUCS league. In my last year of university I started working at the local beach volleyball centre in Brighton (Yellowave) and that's when I started to get into beach volleyball socially. I started taking the sport more seriously after I moved to London in 2018.

Do you have any pre-game habits/rituals?

I'm not overly superstitious, but I do like to eat the same thing (overnight oats) 2 hours before a game. I try to keep this consistent regardless of where I am.

Of all the events you’ve played, is there a match or tournament that stands out in your mind? Why?

My most memorable match to date is probably my World Tour debut in Itapema last year. We were lucky to draw a team we'd trained with the previous day so had a solid game plan against them. We stuck to our plan, played well, and won the game. What made it extra special was that there were several other England teams at the event cheering us on.

Outside of beach volleyball, what do you do in your free time?

I'm a freelance video editor and I try to fit work in around training and tournaments. I also love travelling although this is more difficult to fit into my current busy schedule. If beach volleyball wasn't such a big part of my life, I think I'd be trying to work abroad as much as possible so I could see more of the world whilst developing my career.

Is there a coach or athlete that you look up to and why?

To me April Ross has done it all: been a defender, been a blocker, been the junior, been the leader; and with all that she's won all three Olympic medals in three tries.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I'd like to still be playing beach volleyball at the highest level I can, but I'd also like to put more focus on developing my career. I'd also like to see more of the world before I start a small family and settle down somewhere.

Is there any advice you would give to young players?

It's never too late to start taking the sport to the next level - that sky's the limit! My international career began when I was 29 years old and if there's anything I could tell my younger self it would be to just go for it! Taking risks is the key to success and you're never too old to start.

Team questions:

Team factfile:

Coach: Alex Chevau

Club: ENGLAND

Sponsors: iPro, WildWest, Sungod, Evy Technology, Ballarina

Social media handles: jgrim02 daisomumbo

Describe your team in three words.

Shine like gloss

What would you say is your team’s super strength?

Our block defense is a big strength, having Daisy at 6'2 at the net is something that no other team has. She is very athletic too, so that, with the height is pretty difficult to get past. On the off chance it does, Jess can scoop it up back court!

How long have you been playing together?

We first partnered up at the beginning of 2020 just as COVID hit, so this is a tricky question to get an accurate answer. We've only had one full season together albeit only being able to play domestically.

What would it mean for you both to reach the Commonwealth Games?

It would be incredible to be able to compete at the Commonwealth Games in front of our friends and family and a home crowd.

The Commonwealth Games Qualifier Tournament will commence on the 26th of May, and we can't wait to see these brilliant ladies rock the court.