**San Juan Islands set Volleyball Trend with the First All-Islands Club Team**
Key Takeaways:
- The All-Islands Club Volleyball team, the first of its kind in the San Juan Islands, is launched.
- The team was conceptualized and created to provide a local platform for volleyball players, reducing the need for off-island travel.
- This initiative has attracted more than 40 girls from all three major islands and nearby Anacortes, reflecting a significant interest in volleyball in the region.
San Juan Islands, Washington State — A historic move in the Volleyball scene has taken root on the San Juan Islands, where for the first time an All-Islands Club Volleyball team has been established. This transformation, initiated by a determined player and her family, aims to create a local platform for those interested in competitive volleyball.
Realizing the Local Volleyball Need
United by the shared vision of player Ruby Sausman and the Lopez Island family, the development of the All-Islands Club Volleyball team came as a response to the grueling travel schedules and off-island stays which were previously required to compete at the club level. Before the inception of this team, players would have to associate with the Skagit Island Volleyball Academy (SIVA), based in Burlington and north Bellingham, enduring long travel and overnight stays to participate.
A solution Rooted in Community Collaboration
The solution to this daunting task materialized in the creation of the first all-islands SIVA team, SIVA SJ, and the first club volleyball team in the San Juan Islands. Brought to life with the assistance of SIVA’s owner and director, Zach Calles, and the coaching support of former Lopez Island High School volleyball coach Marina Mejaender and former Friday Harbor High School coach Nadine Varsovia, the All-Islands Club has garnered noticeable interest. More than 40 girls from Orcas, San Juan, Lopez Islands, and nearby Anacortes attended the team tryouts in November, indicating a strong appetite for a local platform for competitive volleyball.
Forging a New Path in the Volleyball Community
In addition to addressing the logistical challenge of off-island play, this unique initiative is fostering an environment of camaraderie among players. It’s offering a chance for girls who wouldn’t usually play together to build friendships outside of their regular island community. Moreover, beyond the team’s two weekly practice sessions at the Lopez Island School gym, eight tournaments are scheduled from January through May. This will encourage increased community integration, not only across the three islands but also with players from different areas such as Anacortes, Auburn, Seattle, Ridgefield, and Burlington with the season finale in Las Vegas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is the All-Islands Club Volleyball team trending?
A: It’s trending because it’s the first club volleyball team serving all the major islands in the San Juan archipelago, providing a competitive platform for players without requiring off-island travel.
Q: What happens next?
A: The team will now proceed to train and compete in its scheduled tournaments from January through May, culminating in the season finale in Las Vegas.
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