The courts at SandBar Nashville came alive as companies from across the region gathered for the Division 2 Sand Volleyball Tournament of the Music City Corporate Challenge, presented by Lifepoint Health. The stakes were high, but the real win wasn’t measured by points on the scoreboard. It was felt in the energy of the crowd, the connection between coworkers, and the collective support for Special Olympics Tennessee. For teams like Polsinelli, Currex Pharmaceuticals and NContracts, this year’s event marked more than just a day out of the office. It was a meaningful investment in culture, community, and camaraderie.
Polsinelli: A Fresh Start with Lasting Enthusiasm
Polsinelli may have been new to the sand, but their spirit was undeniable. According to Samantha Flener, who works in healthcare litigation, this was the firm’s first year participating in the Corporate Challenge. That didn’t stop them from diving in headfirst. She credited their team lead with keeping the momentum high and championing Special Olympics involvement internally.
“It’s energizing,” Flener said. “Being outside, meeting other professionals, and engaging with Special Olympics athletes brings a lot of joy.”
While future initiatives are still to be determined, the enthusiasm is clear. For Polsinelli, this was not just a debut, but a foundation for something lasting.
Currax Pharmaceuticals: From Signups to Tradition
Currax Pharmaceuticals brought a different kind of story. Now four years into their involvement, they’ve seen the Corporate Challenge grow into a cornerstone of their summer.
“We went from barely filling a team to having more people than we could roster,” said Jason Richardson, Director of IT.
At Currax, participation isn’t limited to volleyball. The company has contributed through fundraisers, such as Topgolf events, and utilizes a points system to reward community engagement.
Richardson noted the value of bonding with coworkers he doesn’t often see and the familiarity of playing against the same companies year after year.
“There’s a real sense of camaraderie here,” he said. “It’s always fun, and we love being part of it.”
NContracts: Years of Teamwork and Togetherness
NContracts, a Corporate Challenge veteran with seven years of participation, views the event as a tradition that brings the entire company together.
Lawson Berman, an HR intern, described the tournament as fulfilling and unifying.
“People from all across the company get involved,” he said. “It’s great to see how a single event can connect departments that don’t normally interact.”
Even with one teammate running late, Berman remained upbeat about their performance and focused on what the day represented.
“The best part is seeing so many different companies come together. We’re all here for the same reason.”
The Power of One Serve
This year’s tournament reminded everyone in attendance that it only takes one serve to start something meaningful. Whether it’s sparking new friendships, reinforcing a culture of giving, or discovering new company traditions, the Corporate Challenge offers more than a competitive outlet. It provides companies with a platform to grow together and support a mission that empowers athletes of all abilities across Tennessee.
For Polsinelli, Currex Pharmaceuticals and NContracts, the experience served as a reminder that impact often begins small. A volleyball game. A shared laugh. A moment of cheering on a teammate. These are the things that build community, and they tend to last long after the final whistle.
To learn more about how your company can get involved, click here. Your first serve might just lead to your company’s next big win.
