Endorsements are all part of being a professional athlete. Name recognition is closely tied to products and logos.

When it came to beach volleyball, the connection was simple for Tri Bourne.

Sand brand? Hawaii.

"I always want to represent where I’m from," the Oahu-born-and-raised Bourne said. "Yes, it’s a marketing strategy, it’s just how beach is.

"But more importantly, it is keeping my ties to Hawaii and growing the sport in doing so. When you play beach volleyball, you’re doing your own branding and I’m learning a lot on the business side. I’m fortunate that Hawaii sponsors like Kona Red (coffee) and Maui Jim (sunglasses) are helping me keep my ties to Hawaii when I’m out playing."

The 25-year-old Bourne is playing on the global courts beginning with the AVP New Orleans Open, the pro tour’s opening stop Thursday through Sunday. He and his partner — 42-year-old John Hyden — also are competing on the FIVB tour with eyes on qualifying for the 2016 Rio Olympics, where each qualifying country is limited to two teams.

According to the May 4 FIVB rankings, Hyden-Bourne, No. 9 in the world, are the second-ranked American duo. The top-ranked U.S. team is also No. 1 in the world: Sean Rosenthal-Phil Dalhausser.

"Going to the Olympics would be awesome," the Academy of the Pacific graduate said. "It would be such a big deal.

"I grew up watching the Olympics. … It’s pretty crazy to think about achieving that. Growing up in Hawaii, I always played volleyball for fun. Now, it’s my job with the Olympics as a goal."

There was no lack of athletic dreams in the Bourne household. Both father Peter — a former Hawaii football player — and mother Katy — a national champion in downhill skiing and 3-meter diving at Wisconsin — were elite triathletes who continue to make lifelong fitness a priority.

Tri — named after the multi-sport — said there was no choice but to be active growing up.

"With my parents, it was all about being active," said Bourne, now living in Redondo Beach, Calif. "We took advantage of being in Hawaii — paddling, body-surfing, camping, being outdoors.

"I’m still doing a lot of the same things for cross-training, like body-surfing and stand-up paddling, but I know I’ve got to be careful, be safe and take care of my body."

The USC graduate said he and Hyden train six days a week, either in the gym or on the sand. The age gap of 17 years hasn’t been an issue.

"Sure there’s the small stuff like he has kids, but we have common goals," Bourne said. "We’re always on the same page, which is making it work. He has so much more experience and I’m grateful that he’s my partner."

"What’s it like playing with Tri? Well, for me, I’m in constant coach mode," Hyden said. "He’s a great player and makes the game fun. The best thing about Tri’s game is he’s always willing to do whatever it takes to win. You might say he’s a part of ‘Team Grit.’ "

Bourne said he’s molded his game after other Hawaii players who excelled both indoors and on the beach, such as Sean Scott and Mike Lambert. He’s proud to emulate the "Hawaiian style" of volleyball, that of being known as skilled, all-around players.

"It doesn’t matter how big you are," the 6-foot-6 Bourne said. "Anyone from Hawaii does all the skills. And that’s the ultimate beach player, being able to do everything at a high level because you’re touching the ball on every play."

His success came early both indoors and on sand. He played for Maryknoll — AOP did not have a boys volleyball team — helping the Spartans to the 2006 Division II state title. That summer, he teamed with Punahou’s Riley McKibbin — later a teammate at USC — for gold in the AAU Junior National Beach Under-20 Championships; played for the U.S. at the FIVB Boys Youth World Championships (indoor); and helped Outrigger Canoe Club to the bronze medal at the USA Junior Olympic Championship (indoor).

Bourne played three positions during an injury-plagued career at USC: opposite, outside hitter and libero. He holds the school record for most 20-dig matches in a season.

The success has continued since he turned pro, with Bourne being named the AVP Newcomer of the Year as well as Most Improved Player in 2013. Last season, he was awarded Best Offensive Player, hitting .460 in 86 games and ranking second to two-time Olympian Jake Gibbs. His first AVP title came at the Milwaukee Open with Hyden.

Is he surprised?

"In some ways," he said. "If you told me three years ago that I’d be where I am, then I’d be surprised. It’s all about ‘believe and achieve.’

"I know what I’m capable of and I know what my goals are. The sky’s the limit."