The High School season sputtered to an end with a completely lackluster performance against Liberty. Some might say losing 2 of the games by 3 points or less mean we were in it; I say it exposes a need for the coaching staff to show the girls how to rise above adversity and become winners.
Time now to get mentally and physically prepared for Club Tryouts in 3 weeks. It will be up to Maddie to stay in shape and figure out a way to make her mark. No one else can help her reach her goal of playing in college at this stage but her.
But it was a fun, if a bit frustrating first year of high school ball and I hope she had a blast.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Playoffs Volleyball Dad
With their 5 victories in KingCo 3A, the Lady Kangs sneak into the first round of the playoffs and pull a very favorable matchup with Liberty, who we beat this year on our home court. This game is at 5:30 on Friday at Sammamish HS and winner moves to the 2nd round plus locks up a spot in the Districts...all very heady stuff for a program that has not won a game in several years. A first round win would be awesome for everyone involved. Cat's crying at the back door as I begin another commute in the dark. Summer disappeared quickly!
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Club Volleyball: Parents, Playoffs and IPA
Another fine stretch of days as we began the week at Sammamish HS, which is not ON the Sammamish plateau but instead is down in Bellevue. Funny how you get to know about all these gyms in High Schools you never even knew were tucked away in various places around the region. I mean, I had never even HEARD of Liberty before this year. Anyway, as we were sitting at Sammamish HS before the game listening to their Senior Night speeches, I realized that it's about so much more than winning. SHS has not won a match all year, something that many of the girls on the Kangs can appreciate. And yet, here were their underclassmen tearfully talking about how much these seniors meant to them and how hard they worked and it made me step back a little and make sure that above and beyond all the stress over making a club and thinking about college, what is most important is that Maddie is learning to compete, work on a team and make lasting friendships.
I looked up into the stands and was also impressed with the parents who are associated with OUR program, from my ex who does all the home game programs and will be team mom next year to the moms who made sure all the girls on the Kangs AND the opposing team had pink hair ribbons for the Breast Cancer Awareness Night to all the other Club Volleyball Dads who come see their DD's play every single game. It hit me that we are all very blessed to have daughters associated with this very cool sport.
So we beat SHS and now have 5 wins on the season heading into Monday's final regular season game with Juanita. That is 5 more wins than this program had the last couple of years COMBINED and the girls were rewarded by learning that not only have they seen success on the court, but they will be representing LWHS at the KingCo Championships next weekend! Congrats, girls! Not just for making the playoffs, but for being winners no matter what your record is.
And to top it all off, Maddie and I drove up to Bellingham in a storm to see her favorite team, the Western Vikings, continue to impress by smacking around the team from Fairbanks. PLUS, dad got to visit yet another cool brewpub, this one being Boundary Bay Brewery where a couple of hoppy IPA's and a lamb burger hit the spot before heading to the game!
I looked up into the stands and was also impressed with the parents who are associated with OUR program, from my ex who does all the home game programs and will be team mom next year to the moms who made sure all the girls on the Kangs AND the opposing team had pink hair ribbons for the Breast Cancer Awareness Night to all the other Club Volleyball Dads who come see their DD's play every single game. It hit me that we are all very blessed to have daughters associated with this very cool sport.
So we beat SHS and now have 5 wins on the season heading into Monday's final regular season game with Juanita. That is 5 more wins than this program had the last couple of years COMBINED and the girls were rewarded by learning that not only have they seen success on the court, but they will be representing LWHS at the KingCo Championships next weekend! Congrats, girls! Not just for making the playoffs, but for being winners no matter what your record is.
And to top it all off, Maddie and I drove up to Bellingham in a storm to see her favorite team, the Western Vikings, continue to impress by smacking around the team from Fairbanks. PLUS, dad got to visit yet another cool brewpub, this one being Boundary Bay Brewery where a couple of hoppy IPA's and a lamb burger hit the spot before heading to the game!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Kangs Keep Rolling
Straight from the airport to Bellevue HS where the Kangs continued to make positive strides with a 3-0 victory over the Wolverines. Maddie had some awesome passes and was able to overcome her anger at dad for not taking her to the desert for 4 days. Next up, Sammamish and then a tough one against the Juanita Rebels to wrap up the regular season. Club tryouts are only a month away!
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Seattle Eastside Club Volleyball Info
From sunny Palm Springs, bringing you this. (With help from a club volleyball mom in Kirkland) If you have friends, please forward the link to those interested in club, just not to parents with U16 Opposites. :)
Many have asked about Club Volleyball recently, so I thought I'd share some general info with all. Tryouts for club are held in November, with the regular season running from January through May, although some teams participate in post-season tournaments through July.
Tryouts for club (U15 & over) are scheduled for Weds Nov 17 - Sunday Nov 21 (makeup tryouts are usually held after these dates to fill vacancies based on the club). Official signings begin on Monday Nov 22 (verbal offers can be made earlier), and players returning to their prior season's club can sign earlier.
Many local gyms offer great programs for tryout prepartion. Two that run volleyball-specific preparations are Nevillizms (Bellevue, 100% volleyball training) and End Zone (Kirkland, all types of athletics with volleyball-specific programs). I'm sure there are others available as well. These programs are a great way to keep in volleyball mode and prepare for tryout week.
If you are new to club volleyball, its best to try out for a few different clubs - you never know what any given team/coach is looking for, and you want to have as many choices as possible when it comes to making a selection. There are many different clubs on the Eastside, each offers something a little different. Look at their websites, read the philosophy statements, and talk to others who have played for the team/coach. There are many opinions on club reputations based on individual experiences. A coach will play a big role in your club experience, so listen carefully to others expereinces & always ask about coach. You will also get a feel about the club and coach from the parent meetings held during tryouts at each club. Another area to closely evaluate is practice times/locations and gym space. Some clubs have dedicated gym space with set practice times, others have alternative arrangements. Ask questions and make sure you understand the club arrangements! The region website is governs local affiliated clubs and is a great resource. I've included a few links below.
Club Tryout Dates:
http://pugetsoundvb.org/index.php?option=com_jevents&view=year&task=year.listevents&Itemid=30
Puget Sound Region Website:
http://pugetsoundvb.org/
Cascade Volleyball Club, Northshore Volleyball Club, Space Needle and Edmonds Volleyball Club are a few more programs to check out as well. (There are always new clubs popping up, so check out the region website!)
Enjoy!
Girls Club Volleyball
U14: Friday, November 5th, 7:45 - 9:45PM
U15: Thursday, November 18th, 6:00 - 8:00PM
U16: Thursday, November 18th, 8:00 - 10:00PM
U17 & U18: Tuesday, November 23rd, 7:45 - 9:45PM
U -14 November 6th 4pm to 8pm Cedar Valley Gym
U -15 November 19th 7pm to 10pm Edmonds CC
U -16 November 19th 7pm to 10pm Edmonds CC
U -18 November 17th 7pm to 10pm Edmonds CC
U-15+ 2:00 pm November 20th 2010 @ Lynnwood High School
Many have asked about Club Volleyball recently, so I thought I'd share some general info with all. Tryouts for club are held in November, with the regular season running from January through May, although some teams participate in post-season tournaments through July.
Tryouts for club (U15 & over) are scheduled for Weds Nov 17 - Sunday Nov 21 (makeup tryouts are usually held after these dates to fill vacancies based on the club). Official signings begin on Monday Nov 22 (verbal offers can be made earlier), and players returning to their prior season's club can sign earlier.
Many local gyms offer great programs for tryout prepartion. Two that run volleyball-specific preparations are Nevillizms (Bellevue, 100% volleyball training) and End Zone (Kirkland, all types of athletics with volleyball-specific programs). I'm sure there are others available as well. These programs are a great way to keep in volleyball mode and prepare for tryout week.
If you are new to club volleyball, its best to try out for a few different clubs - you never know what any given team/coach is looking for, and you want to have as many choices as possible when it comes to making a selection. There are many different clubs on the Eastside, each offers something a little different. Look at their websites, read the philosophy statements, and talk to others who have played for the team/coach. There are many opinions on club reputations based on individual experiences. A coach will play a big role in your club experience, so listen carefully to others expereinces & always ask about coach. You will also get a feel about the club and coach from the parent meetings held during tryouts at each club. Another area to closely evaluate is practice times/locations and gym space. Some clubs have dedicated gym space with set practice times, others have alternative arrangements. Ask questions and make sure you understand the club arrangements! The region website is governs local affiliated clubs and is a great resource. I've included a few links below.
Club Tryout Dates:
http://pugetsoundvb.org/index.php?option=com_jevents&view=year&task=year.listevents&Itemid=30
Puget Sound Region Website:
http://pugetsoundvb.org/
Cascade Volleyball Club, Northshore Volleyball Club, Space Needle and Edmonds Volleyball Club are a few more programs to check out as well. (There are always new clubs popping up, so check out the region website!)
Enjoy!
Girls Club Volleyball
Tryout pre-registration is required. Each club website will have details on how to register. Show up at least 30 minutes early so you can settle in and get your volleyball shoes on. Be prepared to pay a $10 - $20 tryout fee. This helps the clubs cover the cost of gym rental to hold tryouts. Please confirm times by visiting the club websites. Do your research. All teams are different, so ask questions and meet the coaches at tryouts. You WILL be a better volleyball player if you play club.
Age Definitions:
U13: Born on or after 9/1/97 (mostly 7th graders)
U14: Born on or after 9/1/96 (mostly 8th graders)
U15: Born on or after 9/1/95 (mostly 9th graders)
U16: Born on or after 9/1/94 (mostly 10th graders)
U17: Born on or after 9/1/93 (mostly 11th graders)
U14: Born on or after 9/1/96 (mostly 8th graders)
U15: Born on or after 9/1/95 (mostly 9th graders)
U16: Born on or after 9/1/94 (mostly 10th graders)
U17: Born on or after 9/1/93 (mostly 11th graders)
High Velocity Volleyball Club ($1400-$2000 per season + travel expense)
Location: Interlake High School
Tryout times not posted yet.
Bellevue YMCA – Blaze ($1000 per season, YMCA membership included)
Location: Bellevue Family YMCA
Great practice facility
U13 - Saturday, Nov. 6 (8-10:30am OR 2:30-5pm)
U14 - Saturday, Nov. 6 (11:30-2pm OR 6-8:30pm)
U15 - Saturday, Nov. 20 (8-10:30am OR 2:30-5pm)
U16 - Saturday, Nov. 20 (11:30-2pm OR 6-8:30pm)
U17/U18 - Still determining whether we can offer this age group,
if interested, contact Danielle Pulliam.
U14 - Saturday, Nov. 6 (11:30-2pm OR 6-8:30pm)
U15 - Saturday, Nov. 20 (8-10:30am OR 2:30-5pm)
U16 - Saturday, Nov. 20 (11:30-2pm OR 6-8:30pm)
U17/U18 - Still determining whether we can offer this age group,
if interested, contact Danielle Pulliam.
Northwest Juniors Volleyball Club ($1100 - $1800 per season + travel expense)
Has many teams at all levels including local and national teams.
Locations: Juanita High School / Bellevue Community College/Interlake HS
U12/U13/U14: Sunday, Nov. 7th 12:30-2:30 PM
U15/U16: Sunday, Nov. 21st 12:30-3:30 PM Juanita HS
U17/U18: Sunday, Nov. 21st 4:30-7:00 PM Juanita HS
Island Thunder Volleyball Club ($1500 per season + travel expense)
Mercer Island Community Center (practices held in gyms on Mercer Island and Bellevue)
Check website or contact Jessica Papell for updated tryout locations for your age group.
Tryout times not posted as of 10/8/10
Sudden Impact Volleyball Club ($2250 - $2400 + travel)
Tryouts not posted as of 10/8
Moxie Juniors ($$800 per season)
Location: Jewish Day School-Bellevue
Good program; local only but a great way to break into Club Volleyball
U13: Thursday, November 4th, 7:30 - 9:30PMU14: Friday, November 5th, 7:45 - 9:45PM
U15: Thursday, November 18th, 6:00 - 8:00PM
U16: Thursday, November 18th, 8:00 - 10:00PM
U17 & U18: Tuesday, November 23rd, 7:45 - 9:45PM
Rain City (Edmonds/Bothell) – http://www.eteamz.com/raincityvb/
Not a lot of info about this program on the website. Historically this team has practiced at St. Edwards Park each season.U -14 November 6th 4pm to 8pm Cedar Valley Gym
U -15 November 19th 7pm to 10pm Edmonds CC
U -16 November 19th 7pm to 10pm Edmonds CC
U -18 November 17th 7pm to 10pm Edmonds CC
Lynnwood Spike It: http://www.eteamz.com/LynnwoodSpikeIt/
U-14 2:00 pm November 6th 2010 @ Alderwood Middle School U-15+ 2:00 pm November 20th 2010 @ Lynnwood High School
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Senior Night Smiles
After losing once again to undefeated powerhouse Mt. Si on Monday night, the 2-8 Kangs wrapped up their home schedule with a bit of a stunner, taking 6-4 Liberty to 5 games and emerging victorious. This was a night for the seniors who really raised their level of play. With only 3 games left, we look poised to take the 6th spot in the conference and make it into the King Co. tourney, where sadly, we will probably face Mt. Si again. But first things first. Enjoy the win, Kangs.
Maddie is struggling a bit lately; I'd like to see her get that focus and energy back and practice hard. Get your playing time back and be ready to peak the weekend of Club tryouts!
Dad is off for 4 days of sun and 90 degree weather in Palm Springs, but back on Monday night in Bellevue!
Enjoy your weekends, volleyball folks!
Maddie is struggling a bit lately; I'd like to see her get that focus and energy back and practice hard. Get your playing time back and be ready to peak the weekend of Club tryouts!
Dad is off for 4 days of sun and 90 degree weather in Palm Springs, but back on Monday night in Bellevue!
Enjoy your weekends, volleyball folks!
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Back from the Abyss
Just a quick note to let everyone know that I am over my funk. Sorry for being Debbie Downer. #11 and I are getting ready for a drive up to Bellingham to watch Western take on SPU in a big GNAC game.
And as the name of this blog is CLUB Volleyball Dad, it will warm everyone's heart to hear that the various Puget Sound clubs have begun posting their 2010-2011 tryout dates. Looks like the weekend before Thanksgiving will be a busy one! Alot more angst in the house this time around because we want to catch on with a solid, perhaps traveling, team this year. U16 is a pretty important one. Any feedback or tips on Eastside clubs will be appreciated!
Have a great weekend!
And as the name of this blog is CLUB Volleyball Dad, it will warm everyone's heart to hear that the various Puget Sound clubs have begun posting their 2010-2011 tryout dates. Looks like the weekend before Thanksgiving will be a busy one! Alot more angst in the house this time around because we want to catch on with a solid, perhaps traveling, team this year. U16 is a pretty important one. Any feedback or tips on Eastside clubs will be appreciated!
Have a great weekend!
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
A Dismal Week
Wow. Tough week. I just erased a really long post that ripped into this team, but that won't help. They need to learn how to win. They need to be pissed off. I'll leave it at that. Dad is bummed out.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Fear the Roo
Fear the Roo, a comment from my last post...but not yet. Took a giant hop backwards on WED with a resounding butt kicking by Juanita. I think this team is a year or two away still....next year will be big as 7 seniors graduate, but I think the new blood will be good. That being said, the year is half over and the 2 wins are 2 more than this program has had in the last 2 YEARS, so we're moving in the right direction.
Before each home game the girls get in a big circle and get jiggy wit it; Maddie said that when she would watch the Varsity last year one of the reasons she wanted to make the team was so SHE could be part of that tradition..and I'll have to say, they get into it pretty good.
Time to regroup with a home game against MI on Monday. Hope you all have a good weekend. If you want to find Maddie, look no further than Hec Ed as the Huskies play USC and UCLA back to back. (Just in: Huskies beat #5 USC 3-2! Go Dawgs!)
Before each home game the girls get in a big circle and get jiggy wit it; Maddie said that when she would watch the Varsity last year one of the reasons she wanted to make the team was so SHE could be part of that tradition..and I'll have to say, they get into it pretty good.
Time to regroup with a home game against MI on Monday. Hope you all have a good weekend. If you want to find Maddie, look no further than Hec Ed as the Huskies play USC and UCLA back to back. (Just in: Huskies beat #5 USC 3-2! Go Dawgs!)
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