For the first time we have a 12 and under division (with 7 teams). We have had 12 & under teams in the past but they have had to play in the 13s or 14s division. Normally this might not be a big deal, but the net height is lower for the 12s and they use a lighter ball. Both of these changes make it easier for the players to play the game without having to sacrifice good technique just to hit the ball hard enough to get the serve or spike over the net or to pass the ball to the setter. The play is good and the fun and excitement of the players make this something worth checking out.
We have also had success with the creation of a power league (Quest Challenge Series) where the top 16s-18s have the opportunity to play 3-4 times during the season. This gives the teams the opportunity to play tough matches all day (or two days in the two day events) without having to travel as much to get this higher level of play. The play has been good and we have teams from surrounding regions coming in to play as well. Each of the first two events have also been well attended by the college coaches (Appalachian State, Campbell, Centre, Davidson, Duke, East Carolina, Elon, Furman, Georgia, High Point, Lee’s McRae, Montreat, NC Central, NC State, Pfeiffer, St. Andrews, Tennessee, UNC Greensboro, UNC Pembroke, VCU, Wake Forest, Western Carolina, Wingate, and Winthrop).
Even though we are in the thick of the club season, it is time to start thinking about the summer. The High Performance Program will again be holding clinics, training weekends and camps for training and selecting the teams to represent the Carolina Region in the U.S. High Performance Volleyball Championships in Ft. Lauderdale in late July. Interested players should attend a Level I clinic in April to start the process. The top players will be invited to train at the A1 or A2 level in training weekends (April/May) and camp (June). The teams will be selected primarily from the A1 group. Coaches who are interested in being considered for one of the coaching positions for the camp and/or competition should email me and send me a resume.
The region is also working to support and encourage the development of the outdoor game (grass and beach). There are several adult tournament directors working hard and you can play about any weekend you want without having to travel very far. Most of these tournaments are also offering divisions for junior age players. The preliminary outdoor schedule is now on the website.
Last year, Mark Nalevanko and vh1vball worked hard developing junior beach play in the Triangle area with several players (boys and girls) from the area and beyond participating. A couple of the junior teams did well in the bigger tournaments on the East Coast. Mark is already hard at work again this year. Tentative plans are for four Jr. Beach tournaments (April through July) and he is looking for ways to help send the top teams to the Nationals in California this summer.
Mark and Mike Marks (Cary Y Spikeforce) are driving forces behind the forming of the very first Junior Beach Volleyball Club in the Carolina Region. Their idea is to use this club as a way to get interested players out playing and to offer some instruction in preparation to play in area tournaments. They are planning an information meeting on Tuesday, March 13th at 5:30 PM for any interested juniors in the area. They will meet at the Apex Community Park sand courts (Directions). For more information contact: Mark Nalevanko mark@vh1vball.com (919)931-2032 or Mike Marks mmarks@nc.rr.com (919)523-0409.