San Juan Islands Welcomes New All-Islands Club Volleyball Team
The San Juan Islands are excited to welcome a new competitive volleyball opportunity with the launch of the All-Islands Club Volleyball Team. This initiative stems from the dedication of Ruby Sausman and her family from Lopez Island, who aimed to create a local team to minimize travel for island players.
The Need for Local Competition
Ruby Sausman’s desire to establish this club arose from her experiences competing with the Skagit Island Volleyball Academy (SIVA). The rigorous travel and frequent overnight stays off the islands became challenging, particularly regarding balancing sports and school. Keri Sausman, Ruby’s mother, explained how the family had to live in an RV for part of the week to accommodate Ruby’s basketball practice and travel commitments.
Community Support and Coaching Staff
With a vision to create a local club team, Ruby reached out to other players in the region, discovering shared experiences among volleyball players from Friday Harbor. To turn this vision into reality, the group conducted a thorough coaching search. Zach Calles from SIVA was enthusiastic to assist, and they quickly secured Marina Mejaender as the head coach and Nadine Varsovia as the assistant coach. Both coaches have extensive experience, having previously coached at Lopez Island High School and Friday Harbor High School.
Successful Tryouts and Team Formation
The tryouts held in November attracted over 40 girls from various islands, including Anacortes. This response confirmed the demand for a dedicated volleyball team. Ultimately, the coaches selected 13 players, slightly exceeding the usual roster limit of 10 to include all skilled candidates.
Training and Upcoming Competitions
The All-Islands team, referred to as SIVA SJ, marks the first club volleyball team in the San Juan Islands. Players practice twice weekly at the Lopez Island School gym. The team plans to compete in eight tournaments starting in January and running through May, with events scheduled in various locations, including:
- Auburn
- Seattle
- Ridgefield
- Burlington
The season finale will take place in Las Vegas.
Building Community Through Volleyball
Sausman emphasized that the most significant aspect of joining a club volleyball team goes beyond athletic growth; it fosters friendships and a sense of belonging. The All-Islands Club Volleyball Team creates a unique opportunity for girls from different islands to unite, strengthening their community.
For further details on the All-Islands Club Volleyball Team, interested parties can visit El-Balad. This initiative promises to enrich not only the athletes involved but also the broader San Juan Islands community.
