Club Phoenix Volleyball competes in AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships – The Licking News

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Coaches Hannah Medlock (back left) and Maci Sparks (back right) with the 15-man team of Club Phoenix.

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The Club Phoenix 13-man team with coach Ashli ​​​​Todaro, back right.

By Ashli ​​Todaro

From June 13-16, the Club Phoenix Volleyball 13-man team showcased their skills at the AAU Junior National Volleyball Championships in Orlando, Florida. Although they did not take first place, their performance was nothing short of commendable and gave cause for hope for future club seasons.

The Club Phoenix volleyball team competed in the 13 Spirit Division. This division is the lower intermediate level. Throughout the tournament, Club Phoenix displayed solid teamwork and individual skill on the court. They navigated through hard-fought matches with strategic plays and impressive athleticism. Their resilience was on display in every set, pushing their opponents to their limits and making sure each team deserved their win.

Despite strong competition, Club Phoenix Volleyball managed to achieve victories and show its potential at the national level. Their coach and fans were proud of their achievements and emphasized the development and improvement that was seen in each player in each game. Club Phoenix Volleyball finished the competition in 45th place out of 63 teams.

“Club Phoenix Volleyball looks to build on this experience and use it as a springboard for future success. With determination and hard work, they will continue to make waves in the volleyball community and reach even greater heights in the coming seasons.” ~ Coach Ashli ​​Todaro

The AAU Junior National Volleyball Championships served as a platform for the Phoenix Volleyball club to showcase their skills, and they did so with passion and perseverance.

The team was coached by Ashli ​​Todaro, owner/director of Club Phoenix Volleyball, and 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 local club, Champs Juniors of Mtn. View/Eminence, to send two 15-man teams to the AAU Junior National Volleyball Championships. These two groups were entered into the 15-man Club Division, which is one of the highest divisions in the tournament.

Both teams stepped up and they did! They showed hard work, communication and proved they can compete on a national and international level. The Champs Juniors finished first in their group on the second and third days of the tournament. These girls have the ambition, determination and hard work needed to compete and win in this type of tournament. They trusted their coaches and played smarter to secure the win in many tough three-set matches.

Club Phoenix finished third in their group on day one, which kept them on the right side of the leaderboard to reach the Gold rankings! They played against some very strong teams and did well in their groups even when playing against some of the best teams. They finished the tournament already improving, growing as athletes and increasing their volleyball IQ.

Coaches Maci Sparks and Hannah Medlock said they are extremely proud of all the girls and thankful for their hard work and dedication to travel across the US and play a sport we all love! The coaches would also like to thank the parents who were open to the idea and trusted them to bring their daughters to this tournament!

Participating players came from the Mtn. View-Liberty, Houston, Mtn. Grove, Springfield, Licking and Summersville areas.

The Champs Juniors team consisted of Jordyn Tune, Brinley Duckett, Sophee Peterson, Kaylee Virtue, Abby Roberts, Kylee Rinne, Lanie Greear and Addy Mourey.

The Club Phoenix team consisted of Avery Stephens, Lily Godi, Alaina Rogers, Alexis Carr, Bailee Medlock, Santana Schwertfeger, Delani Ellet and Hannah Beasley.

“This was a great experience for everyone involved. We knew the competition would be tough, but all three teams were ready to play. They not only learned what it means to play volleyball at the national level, but also what it means to be a friend and teammate. I am grateful to the girls and their families for trusting Hannah, Maci and me to coach these girls at this level of competition. I hope to send more teams to the AAU Junior National Championships or the USAV Junior National Championships next year.” ~ Club Owner Ashli ​​Todaro