The AFFILIATIONS newsletter is a forum for exchange and gives all AVCA high school/interscholastic member coaches an opportunity to learn what’s happening in these affiliate states.

The AVCA Coach of the Year Super Clinic is underway, and there is still time to REGISTER NOW for virtual access to 40+ on-demand sessions by award-winning coaches!!

Virtual clinic registration includes:

Access to all in-person recorded sessions post-clinic
Access to on-demand pre-recorded sessions
Access to Volleyball Coaches Insider +Plus!

Check out virtual clinic day 4 sessions from Kaylee Prigge (University of Wyoming), Jordan Armstrong (Jacksonville University), Melissa Denson (Jackson Academy – MS), Adam Brewster (MidAmerica Nazarene University); Kate Wood (McGill-Toolen Catholic HS – AL); and Matt Darling (Gallon University).

SCHEDULE

SPEAKERS

Sessions feature coaches from the following teams:

The South Dakota Volleyball Coaches Association (SDVBCA) Coaches of the Year by school classification are as follows:

Billie Jo Indahl, Burke (B)
Kari Jung, Warner (B)
Jean O’Hara, Chester (B)
Lindy Uttecht, Wolsey (B)
Linda DeBoer, Miller (A)
Melissa Erickson, Elkton-Lake Benton (A)
Erin Kuper, Elk Point-Jefferson (EPJ) (A)
Ronette Costain, Harrisburg (AA)
Beth Donnelly, SF Jefferson (AA)

The Texas High School Coaches Association (THSCA) Volleyball Coach of the Year is Michael Kane from Dripping Springs High School. Coach Kane was also the Overall Regional Head Coach of the Year, and is Director of Austin Performance Volleyball. He has led 6 teams, of various levels, to State Championships, most recently his Dripping Springs team won the 2022 6A State championship. Kane has achieved over 800 HS career wins, making him one of the most winningest coaches in Texas Volleyball history.

The Wisconsin Volleyball Coaches Association (WVCA) Coach of the Year is Caitie Ratkowski from Divine Savior Holy Angels. Coach Ratkowski was also the 2022 AVCA Region 6 Coach of the Year.

During her time as the assistant coach the varsity team won four conference titles, six conference tournaments and made four state tournament appearances, winning the State Championship in 2014. In her first year as head coach, she led the Dashers to both conference season and tournament titles, and won the 2015 State Championship. The team also won the conference tournament in 2016, and made a State tournament appearance. Coach Ratkowski was inducted to the DSHA Athletic Hall of Fame in October 2016.

NHSACA National Convention

The 2023 National High School Athletic Coaches Association (NHSACA) National Coaches Convention was hosted by the Nebraska Coaches Association in Lincoln, Nebraska from July 24-27, 2023. The event included clinic sessions for nineteen specific sports including volleyball, college credit courses, as well as plenty of time to network with coaches from across the country. In addition, NHSACA National Coaches Hall of Fame Ceremony and a NHSACA National Coach of the Year were recognized.

NHSACA Coach of the Year – Volleyball finalists:

Jeff Barkell, Kelly Walsh HS (WY)
Diane Harms, Dike-New Hartford HS (IA)
Kaiser Maureen, St. Henry District HS (KY)
Toby Manzanares, Rio Rancho HS (NM)
Jeff Reavis, Trinity Catholic HS (FL)
Chris Sheppard, Williamstown HS (NJ)
Jamie Zastoupil, Century HS (ND)
Sue Ziegler, Lincoln Lutheran HS (NE)

Congratulations to all the NHSACA Coach of the Year finalists, including five of the eight who presented at the combined NCA-NHSACA Convention in Lincoln! (Pictured: Toby Manzanares, Diane Harms, AVCA’s Kennedy Wells, Jeff Barkell, Sue Ziegler, and Jamie Zastoupil).

USMC/AVCA Battles Won Award

The AVCA and US Marine Corps. are looking to recognize a volleyball coach and athlete who overcame a significant obstacle during the past year. The nature of this obstacle can be physical, mental, or a combination of both. The selected winners will be provided round trip travel to the AVCA Convention this December in Tampa, Florida to be recognized and celebrated at the event.

CLICK HERE to nominate a coach or athlete! Due by Friday, August 4. If you have any questions, please contact Brad Wilson at bradley.wilson@avca.org.

Nominate for 2023 AVCA All-America and Phenom Watchlists!

The AVCA High School All-America Watch List is for the top Seniors who have received some recognition for their outstanding volleyball play. These athletes must have earned some form of recognition such as, but not limited to: All-District, All-Region, All-State, PrepVolleyball Ranking List, USAV HP Volleyball Team, etc.
The AVCA Phenom Watch List is for the top underclassmen high school athletes who have received some recognition for their outstanding volleyball play. All uncommitted athletes on the Phenom Watch List will be invited to participate in the AVCA Phenom College Prep Program, which will take place December 14-16, 2023, in Tampa, FL.

If you have any questions regarding either of the lists or the programs that they are associated with, contact Alex Fitzmorris-Sorn.

Record Number of Volleyball Programs Receive the 2023 USMC/AVCA Team Academic Award

The United States Marine Corps and the American Volleyball Coaches Association announced that over 1,330 collegiate and high school volleyball teams have earned the USMC/AVCA Team Academic Award this season. This marks an all-time record number of programs honored for their academic achievements. The award honors volleyball teams that maintain a year-long grade-point average of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale or 4.1 on a 5.0 scale.

“The commitment our coaches make to help their student-athletes pursue the best versions of themselves is evident in the academic accomplishments highlighted today.” said AVCA CEO Jaime Gordon. “Achievement on the court has always been closely tied to success in the classroom which is reflected by the number of championship programs honored.”

Alabama High School Volleyball Coaches Association

AHSVCA Watch List Nominations Open

The Alabama High School Volleyball Coaches Association (AHSVCA) 2023-24 Preseason Players to Watch List nominations are open now until August 4.

EACH AHSVCA/AVCA member coach can nominate UP TO THREE (3) ELIGIBLE STUDENT-ATHLETES for the 2023-24 AHSVCA Preseason Watch List.

Nominate to the Watch List

100s attend the AHSAA Volleyball Coaching School

The Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) Summer Conference was held July 17-21, at the Renaissance Montgomery Convention Center (Montgomery, AL). The Volleyball Coaching Clinic and All Star Volleyball Game were on Thursday, July 20.

Alabama High School Volleyball Coaches Association (AHSVCA) volleyball coaches Julie Gordon, Meredith Donald, Holly Richards, Perry Robinson, Amy Patterson, and Ann Schilling, and the AVCA’s Tara McGuire, are pictured above at the 2023 Volleyball Coaching School and All-Star match. The event brought together hundreds of Alabama high school coaches, and included sessions by Auburn University Coach Brent Crouch and a Volleyball Rules Clinic.

California Coaches Association – Volleyball

Shonto Starlings marks 20 years of club volleyball

The Shonto Starlings, a club volleyball team recently celebrated its 20th year. Fresh off two top finishes at the Starlings Volleyball, USA National Championships, the club has thrived as part of the Navajo Nation, and it provides a great complement to the traditional school sports model.

Georgia Volleyball Coaches Association

2023 GHSA Volleyball Camps

In preparation for the start of the volleyball season practice on July 31, and earliest date for volleyball contest on August 7, the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) is hosting the following volleyball camps.

Zoom Camps (online) – July 11, July 25, & August 2
Holy Innocents in Atlanta (in-person) – July 17
Albany DOCO Public Works in Albany (in-person) – August 1

Greater Houston Volleyball Coaches Association

GHVCA Coaches Clinic: July 21, 2023

Approximately 60 coaches came together for the Greater Houston Volleyball Coaches Association (GHVCA) Coaches Clinic on July 21, at Deer Park High School North Campus (Deer Park, TX). Presenters included the following top collegiate, club and high school coaches:

David Rehr (University of Houston)
Trey Cruz (Rice University)
Libby Pacheco (THSCA)
Brittany Arduini (Houston Force)

Vanessa Seghers (Club South)
Alan Edwards (Jacksonville Skyline)
Geoff Stresman (GHVCA Board, Lutheran South Academy)
Ryan Davies (Clear Springs HS)

Illinois Volleyball Coaches Association

Lady Grey Ghost host 2023 Vb Camp

The Lady Grey Ghost team (Chillicothe, IL) had an excellent turnout for their recent volleyball camp hosted with The Academy Volleyball.

Kentucky Volleyball Coaches Association

KVCA Watch List Nominations Open

The KVCA is now accepting nominations to the KVCA Watch List. KVCA coaches should only nominate athletes they expect to receive consideration for All-State. Coaches may nominate up to five athletes from their region and a maximum of two from their team.

Submit KVCA Watch List Nomination

KVCA Coaches Clinic: July 22

The KVCA Coaches Clinic was held July 22, at Scott County High School (Georgetown, KY). Registration included a AVCA/KVCA Membership, and credit for coaches’ KHSAA/NFHS preseason rules requirement.

Presenters included: Kennedy Mang (Midway College); Patrick “Robo” Robidoux (Centre College); Brad Wilson (AVCA and KVCA); Darien McDowell (Thomas More University); and Butch Cope (KHSAA).

Nebraska Coaches Association – Volleyball

The 2023 NCA Multi-Sports Clinic was held July 25-27, in conjunction with the National High School Athletic Coaches Association’s National Conference at Lincoln North Star HS.

AVCA Director of Membership Kennedy Wells handed out the 2023 Coach Jean Groth NCA-AVCA Team Academic Excellence Awards at the Nebraska Coaches Association Clinic in Lincoln. Congratulations to this year’s winning programs!

To commemorate the coaches for the 2023 Nebraska Coaches Association Girls Volleyball Blue vs. Red All-Star Match, the AVCA’s Kennedy Wells presented Emily Vaughn, Bob Wald, K.C. Belitz, and Julie Ratka, with a one-year AVCA membership at the 39th Nebraska Coaches Association (NCA) Girls’ Volleyball All-Star Match July 25, at Lincoln North Star High School.

NCA Volleyball All-Stars

Congratulations to the following volleyball coaches for achieving the Jerry Stine Family Milestone Award in one of the four levels of service and success. Coaches were recognized at the Nebraska Coaches Association (NCA) Banquet July 23, in Lincoln (NE)!

Bob Wald, Douglas County West
Christina Boesiger, Norris
Tom Pallas, Seward
Emily Vaughn, Volleyball

Margo LaBrie, Volleyball
Danae Buss, Cedar Catholic
Courtney Smeby, Bellevue East
Cody Wintz, Battle Creek

New York Volleyball Coaches Association

NYSPHSAA changes format for volleyball state tourney

The New York State Public High School Athletic Association approved a change in the format of the State Girls Volleyball Tournament at a two-day Central Committee meeting that finished up on July 26. The tournament, which has been held at Cool Insuring Arena since 2006, will now have semifinals and finals in each class. Previously, pool play had been used to decide which of the four teams in each class would play for the state title.

North Carolina Volleyball Coaches Association

2023 NCAA Coaches Clinic: Volleyball

The North Carolina Coaches Association (NCCA) Coaches Clinic was held July 17-19, with volleyball sessions on July 19. University of Louisville Volleyball Coach Dan Meske presented on serving, passing, winning at the net, and culture. Coaches also attended the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) Rules Session and Volleyball Coaches Meeting.

Indiana High School Volleyball Coaches Association

200+ Coaches Attend the 2023 IHSVCA Clinic!!

More than 200 coaches attended the Indiana High School Volleyball Coaches Association (IHSVCA) Coaches Clinic on July 23, at Cathedral High School. The event included several sessions on collegiate, high school and middle school skills; a panel on conditioning; athlete psychology; and a rules meeting. Presenters were Kyle Shondell (Butler); Donan Cruz (Ball State); Brooke Behnke (Covenant Christian HS); Matt Curts (Winchester HS); Rhonda Low (Cathedral HS, retired); Bart Powell (Floyd Central HS); Scott Vanderkolk (Linton-Stockton HS); Stephanie Bloom (Yorktown HS); Kelly Naugle (IUPUI Associate Professor); Jason Young (Hamilton Southern HS); Jean Kesterson (Cathedral HS, retired); and Cindy DeWitt (Volleykats).

Thanks to everyone involved, especially organizers Jean Kesterson and Rhonda Low.

51 Schools Earn Team Academic Award

Fifty-one schools earned the distinction of the receiving inaugural IHSVCA Team Academic awards. These varsity programs excelled on the court and in the classroom with an accumulated team WGPA of 3.5 for both semesters. The average WGPA for all teams was an impressive 3.76!

Congrats to these coaches for putting the STUDENT in student-athlete.

IHSVCA Team Academic Award Honorees

Massachusetts Volleyball Coaches Association

2023 MAVCA Coaches Clinic: August 13

The 2023 Massachusetts Volleyball Coaches Association (MAVCA) Coaches Clinic is Sunday, August 13, 9am – 4pm, at The Track at New Balance (Boston, MA). The clinic features Jason Watson, University of Arkansas; Rick Dunetz, Sideout Foundation; and breakout sessions with top Massachusetts High School Coaches.

MA Boys Volleyball at AAU Junior Boys Volleyball Nationals

Congratulations to Massachusetts Boys Volleyball for placing 11th in Open at the AAU Junior Boys Volleyball Nationals in Orlando Smash U15s. MA boys players competed from Lexington, Wayland, Newton N, Natick, Brookline, Acton Box and Boston Latin Academy.

Michigan Interscholastic Volleyball Coaches Association

MHSAA Volleyball Rules Meeting

The Michigan High School Athletic Association rules meeting for volleyball is now available online through September 14. All coaches are required to take the MHSAA rules meeting.

CLICK HERE for 2023 MHSAA Volleyball Dates to Remember

CLICK HERE for the MHSAA Rules Meeting

Minnesota Volleyball Coaches Association

42nd Annual MNVBCA Coaches Clinic

The 42nd Annual Minnesota Volleyball Coaches Association (MNVBCA) Coaches Clinic was held on July 26-27, at Mounds View High School. The event celebrated 50-years of girls high school volleyball and recently sanctioned boys volleyball.

Sessions featured Minnesota’s new coach—and current AVCA Board President—Keegan Cook (serving), Greg Sayuk (blocking), Scott Jackson & George Padjen (high school fundamentals), Tina Turn (drills), Kelsey Morken (team building), Josh Wastvedt (defensive drillls), Mick Haley (key stats), Jenny Kilkelly and Krista Fleming (“What’s Next” now that boys volleyball is sanctioned), and more. President Jim Lee was also available with the History of Minnesota High School Volleyball Book and 50th Anniversary shirts. The event also featured an All-Star Match.

Thanks to all of the organizers, presenters, and attending coaches for another great clinic!

Missouri High School Volleyball Coaches Association

Missouri Law Opens NIL Profits to High Schoolers

On July 24, Missouri lawmakers passed legislation amending the state’s rules around name, image and likeness payments for student athletes, allowing some to access the financial benefits before they even arrive on a college campus. The law will allow athletes to begin profiting from endorsement deals while still in high school—as long as they sign a letter of intent to attend a public university in Missouri.

New Mexico High School Coaches Association

2023 NMHSCA Volleyball Summer Coaches Clinic

Approximately 125 volleyball coaches took part in the 2023 New Mexico High School Coaches Association’s 79th Annual Summer Coaches Clinic, July 24-26. Featured presenters included the NMHSCA’s Buster Mabrey, Western New Mexico Coach Geno Frugoli, Sandia HS Coach Greg Villareal, New Mexico Highlands Coach Tom Duke, the NMAA’s Tammy Richards, NMOA’s Nora Carter, the AVCA’s Tara McGuire, and more!!

Congratulations to Coach Esther Lorenzo (Laguna Acoma High School) for being named the 2023 NMHSCA Volleyball Coach of the Year!

Ohio High School Volleyball Coaches Association

2023 OHSVCA Skills Camp

The 2023 Ohio High School Volleyball Coaches Association (OHSVCA) Volleyball Camp on July 7, provided an opportunity for approximately 85 female student-athletes in grades 9-12 to receive instruction from leadership of Division II, III, and NAIA coaches from Ohio and the surrounding area.

The event was held at Tiffin University (Tiffin, OH), and included a recruiting session, exposure to college coaches, drills, skill instruction and excellent competition.

REMINDER: The OHSAA Volleyball Rules Meeting is available at any time online from July 21, to August 19, at 11:59PM, without penalty. Beginning on August 20, there will be a $50 late fee to view the Rules Meeting. The final deadline of the Volleyball Rules Meeting is October 2 at 11:59pm.

OHSAA This Week in Vb: Issue 1 (July 19)

South Dakota Volleyball Coaches Association

Adrenaline Volleyball bring top talent to Sanford Pentagon over three days

The Midwest’s high school tournament, Summer Slam, was held July 24-25, with 80 teams from four states, including eight state champions and seven runners-up.

Teams from six midwest states competed in the Midwest Battle also hosted by Adrenaline Volleyball in Sioux Falls (SD) on July 23, featuring 26 D1 commitments amongst teams from SD, ND, MN, IA, NE and KS.

Wisconsin Volleyball Coaches Association

2023 WVCA Fall Clinic: August 4-5

Registration is open for the 2023 Wisconsin Volleyball Coaches Association (WVCA) Fall Clinic August 4-5, at the Community First Champion Center in Appleton (WV).

Presenters include collegiate coaches Amanda Berkley (Loyola-Chicago), Susie Johnson (UW-Milwaukee), Jon Ellmann (UW-Oshkosh), and Dipen Patel (UW-River Falls), and high school coaches Jeff Frey (Luxemburg-Casco), Luke Herriges (Xavier), and Kat Hanson (McDonell Central).

WVCA Clinic Schedule

WVCA Hall of Fame Banquet

Congratulations to the WVCA Hall of Fame Class of 2023! Inductees will be recognized at the 2023 WVCA Hall of Fame Banquet on August 5, at the Holiday Inn Appleton (WV).

CLICK HERE to register for the banquet.

WVCA Hall of Fame Class of 2023

2022-23 WVCA All-Academic Awards

58 schools across the state of Wisconsin earned 2022-23 WVCA All-Academic Team distinction. Statewide member-programs w/a cumulative year-long Grade Point Average of 3.400 are eligible for the award. 58 schools complement nearly 1,200 student-athletes who earned All-Academic Individual.

WVCA All-Academic Team & Individual Awards

Texas High School Coaches Association – Volleyball

91st Annual THSCA Coaching School: July 16-18

The 91st Annual Texas High School Coaches Association (THSCA) Coaching School and Convention was held July 16-18, at the George R. Brown Convention Center (Houston, TX).

The AVCA, The Volleyball Coaching Education Partner for the THSCA, sponsored a session by Alabama State University Coach Penny Lucas-White “In-System Offensive Speed.” Other volleyball session presenters included: Kendra Potts, West Texas A&M Univ.; Tony Graystone, Texas Tech Univ.; Hugh McCutcheon, Univ. of Minnesota; THSCA Volleyball Coach of the Year Michael Kane; AVCA Hall of Famer Ruth Nelson, BYOP Program; U’ilani Womble, Frisco Wakeland; Genny Volpe, Rice Univ.; Verena Khalil, Bridgeland; Ginger Murray, Celina; Allison Merrell, Tompkins; Tracie Porras, Monahans; and Ashley Davis, College Station.

AVCA’s Director of Membership, Research and Board Relations Kennedy Wells said he is “looking forward to continuing our partnership with the THSCA, and appreciated connecting with AVCA Corporate Partner Baden representative Matt Nutt at the Coaching School in Houston.”

VALD Performance is a proud AVCA partner and leader in human measurement technologies. This partnership will bring about vital grassroots support to volleyball in the United States by combining the best in human measurement technology and the best in Volleyball coaching. Click here to view a short video and learn more.

NFHS Better Together: Women and Sport Leadership Summit

Don’t miss the 2nd Annual NFHS “Better Together: Women and Sport Leadership Virtual Summit” August 6-8, 2023. This hybrid model of pre-recorded and live sessions with dynamic general session speakers and tracks for coaches, officials and administrators is meant to educate, inspire and connect female leaders of past, present and future.

Sign Up to Become an Official!

Want to stay close to the sports you love? Support students in your community? Make a meaningful difference? Then sign up to become an official! We need more volleyball officials, and you could make the perfect fit! #BecomeAnOfficial

Subscribe to THE BIC, the Official AVCA Newsletter for Men and Boys Volleyball

AVCA publishes THE BIC newsletter to support and promote the mission of increasing opportunities for men and boys volleyball. If you would like to be added to the mailing list, contact Brad Wilson, AVCA Director of Men & Boys Volleyball.

Renewing your AVCA membership online is easier than ever! Visit avca.org, hover over Membership, then click “Renew Membership.”

Need to join the AVCA? Visit avca.org and click “Become a Member” to get started!

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