July, 2004 Commissioner's Corner

Commissioner's Corner

Karl Owen

Our sport returns to the world stage next month at the Olympics in Athens. Olympic volleyball is some of the highest level of volleyball you will see, and it is a great opportunity to watch our sport on television and to introduce it to friends. The USA Olympic volleyball teams will be competing for the Gold medal. Please join all of us in cheering them on.

As I write this, a Carolina Region member is representing USA Volleyball at the NORCECA Championships in Puerto Rico. Megan Hodge, a junior member from Durham, is a starting outside hitter on the USA Girls' Youth National Volleyball Team representing our country in this international tournament. The USA GYNT is currently 2-0 in match play. (for full wrap-up of Megan's and the team's results, go here.

Megan is doing an excellent job of representing the Carolina Region and setting an example of what our best players can achieve. Megan's parents, Mike Hodge and Carmen Samuel-Hodge have both played international volleyball as well. Mike is active in the Carolina Region as a player and coach.

Next month the Carolina Region Board of Directors will hold its annual retreat to plan the 2004-2005 season and to set the direction of the Carolina Region for the next year. The Board of Directors is made up of volunteers; players, coaches, and others just like you. The Board will set a budget for the year, determine the schedule of tournaments, and consider whether any changes in format should be considered, along with any other business.

If you would like to have input into any aspect of the region, including Adult competition, Junior competition, Officiating, and Coaching, please get in touch with me or any other board member prior to the retreat (August 20-22). We will take any ideas and recommendations we receive with us and use them as we shape the upcoming season.