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Friday, August 1, 2008
International Setting
Greater Louisville, KY
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The inaugural JVDA Championship tournament drew teams from across the nation and even Japan, proving Louisville volleyball is a national force for a new generation of players.
One thing was apparent when walking into the inaugural Junior Volleyball Directors Association Championship last month: This ain’t your backyard volleyball game. This is serious business, and one that girls do not take lightly. That was obvious from the constant screeches of celebration after literally every point played out on 74 courts.
By the numbers, Louisville was host to almost 490 teams from across the nation, Puerto Rico and Japan. This meant 5000 athletes competing and roughly 8,000 spectators per day. Although you cannot overlook the benefits that the city received economically from the tournament, one has to realize that Kentucky girls are on the map nationally and internationally when it comes to volleyball. Of all 12 divisions, Kentucky teams claimed five championships.
Kaitlynn James, an All American from Assumption High School proclaimed, “This is SO cool to have been held in Louisville. My team has always been extremely proud to represent Kentucky. This shows that Louisville is deserving and can bring world class talent.”
The JVDA Championships stood out as one of the top two tournaments held during the year. The other tournament, USA Volleyball Junior Olympic Championship, was being played at the same time in Dallas. Some would argue about which of the two tournaments were stronger in competition, but who played where was more about logistics as far as the teams across the nation were concerned.
The Japanese team, coached by Mr. Hiroaki Inoue, made the trip because “this is a great tournament, like no other offered in Japan.” And he would know. Coach Inoue has guided his team to 11 National High School championships and 26 Final Four appearances in his 27 years of coaching. “We have not gotten to enjoy the culture and atmosphere of the city as much as we would like. We are here to play volleyball, and when we are not on the court, the girls are studying. School is still in session in Japan.”
If you happened to have had the pleasure of making it to the tournament, you would recall the huge number of spectators watching the Japan Team play. The girls were so athletic it looked like there were spring boards under the mat on their court.
The state of volleyball
Over the past five to six years, the sport of volleyball has grown to provide grade school and high school girls with an abundance of club programs, tournaments and opportunities to play in college. Currently, over 400,000 girls play high school volleyball in the United States, which is second in participation only to girls’ high school basketball. In addition to the opportunities, James says that some things have changed.
“Although the coaches have always been intense, the level of play and competition has increased significantly,” she says.
While participation is high, some people worry that body type is perceived to be an important part of the sport. “And, yes, while height is important,” says Kathy DeBoer, the executive director of the American Volleyball Coaches Association and former head coach of women’s volleyball at UK, “a girl under 5’7 or 5’8 should not be discouraged. The indoor game includes very liberal substitution rules, which allow for players to specialize in a position rather than playing the entire court. In addition, we have seen on the horizon collegiate beach volleyball in a growth spurt. What this means is that this form of the game is well suited to an extremely mobile player whose quickness and mobility beats out blocking and hitting.”
Another interesting point of the game is that the club season and the high school season truly enhance each other. At the high school level, only a certain number of players make the team. But any number of players can play at all levels of the club programs. The club season also helps to train the serious college bound athletes while the high school season is off. College recruitment takes place generally through the high school games. However, at major tournaments such as the JVDA Championships, almost 200 college coaches were present.
At the youngest level, Courtney Crable, a member of the MAVA 12 Elite Championship team, thinks that the Club season is more important because there are more tournaments and the competition is tougher. Crable’s mother, Kim, agrees, but worries at times about the burn-out factor due to these kids starting at such a young age.
“These 12-year-olds practice 7.5 hours per week, which includes strength training. Tournament weeks log another 12+ hours onto your commitment factor. We do it though, because Courtney loves it, so it’s worth it to us.”
At the highest level, James believes that both high school and club seasons are equally important. “Without club season, players wouldn’t be properly prepared for college. This season assists the athletes in developing into better players physically and mentally.”
As for the celebratory screeches…why do these girls cheer and scream in celebration after every single point played? “Easy,” says Crable. “To keep our spirits up and intimidate the other team!”
The more experienced James agrees and was proud to hear what the younger set thinks. “We’ve been taught since we were 13 that talking to your teammates is the most important part of the game. You’ve got to talk; communication helps to keep the team concept and shows that you appreciate the play that your team member just made!”
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