7/2/2008

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LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Over 5,000 athletes descended upon the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville over the weekend to take part in the inaugural Junior Volleyball Directors Association (JVDA) Championships. The event, which saw nearly 500 teams participate, welcomed volleyball players from 20 states, as well as from two countries, Japan and Puerto Rico, to compete in championships for seven different age groups (12-18), with the hopes of even more international flair to be added in the future.

"We couldn't be more pleased with the initial conduct of the event," stated JVDA President Rich Zeciski. "We received many positives from people in attendance, and we are very excited to see the potential of this event unfold in the coming years."

The event was unique in nature, as it brought together all age groups in all divisions under one roof, with 74 courts hosting simultaneous matches. This allowed participating clubs to also use the championships as a bonding experience and be present to watch other teams from their own club compete throughout the four days.

From the opening serve on Friday morning until the final medal was given Monday evening, the 2008 JVDA Championships hosted between 8,000-10,000 spectators daily. There were also over 200 collegiate coaches also in attendance to recruit potential athletes to add to their rosters.

A number of special events and educational sessions were offered during the four-day span, including presentations about playing collegiate volleyball, recruiting and playing volleyball at the international/professional level. A Mini Volleyball and VolleyTots demonstration encouraged participation in the game at a younger age. One of the highlights of the event was the JVDA Hall of Fame induction just prior to the 18-Club final, where Mary Jo Peppler and John Trojaniak were enshrined in the inaugural class.

Television crews filmed on-site in the Expo Center throughout the championships, with the footage being formatted into a half-hour magazine show set to air on CBS College Sports. The show will be hosted by beach volleyball legend Karch Kiraly, who was on-site for much of the action.

Twelve champions were crowned during the weekend, with all-tournament teams elected for each division as well. The winners are as follows:

12-Club: MAVA 12-Elite

13-Club: Asics KIVA 13 Red

14-Club: Asics KIVA 14 White

14-Open: Asics KIVA 14 Red

15-Club: Union 15-1

15-Open: Asics KIVA 15 Red

16-Club: Milwaukee Sting 16 Black

16-Open: Club Fusion 16 Black

17-Club: Celtic Force 17 Green

17-Open: Mizuno SPVB 17 Mizuno

18-Club: Puerto Rico

18-Open: Mizuno SPVB 18 Elite 

Click here to view the all-tournament teams in each division.

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