Club Phoenix Volleyball participates in AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships
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Coaches Hannah Medlock, back left, and Maci Sparks, back right, with the Club Phoenix 15s team.
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The Champs Juniors 15s team with coaches Sparks and Medlock.
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The Club Phoenix 13s team with Coach Ashli Todaro, back right.
By Ashli Todaro
From June 13-16, Club Phoenix Volleyball’s 13s team showcased their skills at the AAU Junior National Volleyball Championships in Orlando, Florida. While they didn’t clinch the top spot, their performance was nothing short of commendable, leaving a mark of promise for future club seasons.
The Club Phoenix Volleyball team participated in the 13 Spirit division. This division is the lower intermediate level. Throughout the tournament, Club Phoenix demonstrated solid teamwork and individual prowess on the court. They navigated their way through competitive matches with strategic plays and impressive displays of athleticism. Their resilience was evident in every set played, pushing their opponents to their limits, making each team earn their wins.
Despite facing tough competition, Club Phoenix Volleyball managed to secure victories and showcase their potential at a national level. Their coach and supporters were proud of their achievements, emphasizing the growth and improvement seen in each player throughout each match. Club Phoenix Volleyball ended the competition in 45th place out of 63 teams.
“Club Phoenix Volleyball aims to build on this experience, using it as a stepping stone toward future successes. With determination and hard work, they are set to continue making waves in the volleyball community, aspiring to reach even greater heights in the seasons to come.” ~ Coach Ashli Todaro
The AAU Junior National Volleyball Championships served as a platform for Club Phoenix Volleyball to prove their mettle, and they did so with passion and perseverance.
The team was coached by Ashli Todaro, Owner/Director of Club Phoenix Volleyball. Players included Adalee Hart, Payton Holland, Penelope Huff, Jaelynn Sullins, Luci Todaro, Jaylynn Ramsey and Alyvia Turrubiates.
From June 17-20, Club Phoenix Volleyball teamed up with another area club, Champs Juniors, from Mtn. View/Eminence, to send two 15s teams to the AAU Junior National Volleyball Championships. These two groups were registered in the 15 Club division, which is one of the highest divisions at the tournament.
Both teams went to compete, and that’s what they did! They demonstrated hard work, communication, and proved they can compete at the national and international level. Champs Juniors earned first in their pool on days two and three of the tournament. These girls have the hustle, grit and hard-work it takes to compete and win in this type of tournament. They trusted their coaches and made smarter plays to secure the win in many tough three-set matches.
Club Phoenix finished third in their pool the first day, which kept them on the right side of the bracket in search of that gold bracket! They played some very tough teams and they competed well in their pools, even while playing some of the highest level teams. They finished the tournament already getting better, growing as athletes and increasing their volleyball IQ.
Coaches Maci Sparks and Hannah Medlock stated they are extremely proud of all of the girls and grateful for their hard work and dedication they gave to travel across the U.S. to play a sport we all love! The coaches also want to thank the parents for being open to the idea and trusting them to bring their daughters to this tournament!
Players who competed were from the areas of Mtn. View-Liberty, Houston, Mtn. Grove, Springfield, Licking and Summersville.
Champs Juniors Team consisted of Jordyn Tune, Brinley Duckett, Sophee Peterson, Kaylee Virtue, Abby Roberts, Kylee Rinne, Lanie Greear and Addy Mourey.
Club Phoenix Team was Avery Stephens, Lily Godi, Alaina Rogers, Alexis Carr, Bailee Medlock, Santana Schwertfeger, Delani Ellet and Hannah Beasley.
“This was a great experience for all involved. We knew going there the competition was going to be tough, but all three teams went ready to play. They not only learned what it is to play volleyball at a national level, but to also be a friend and teammate. I’m thankful for the girls and their families for trusting Hannah, Maci, and me with coaching these girls at this level of competition. I’m hoping to send more teams next year to either the AAU Junior National Championships or the USAV Junior National Championships.” ~ Club owner Ashli Todaro
