ODVA News
2101 Maywill St
Richmond, VA 23230
Elizabeth Ellinger
eellinger@u-turn.org
Richmond, VA 23230
Elizabeth Ellinger
eellinger@u-turn.org
September 4, 2020
Fall Volleyball League Offers Local Players A Season Alternative
~ ODVA Began 7-week Recreational League Play
Richmond, VA - In what was to be the first month of high school volleyball, hundreds of players across the region are missing the sport they love. When the Virginia High School League (VHSL) announced it would move the fall sports including volleyball to spring, the Old Dominion Volleyball Academy (ODVA), located at U-Turn, launched a 7-week fall league for varsity and junior varsity (JV), male and female players that will include practice and play nights. ODVA leaders and U-Turn staff are committed to a COVID-safe experience for a limited number of coaches, players and spectators.
"We had anticipated the fact that VHSL would be put in a very hard position to postpone the fall sports," said Elizabeth Ellinger, ODVA Executive Director. "We decided to poll our coaches to see who would be willing to help us build a fall league and in less than a few days time. We were able to put together a plan of action that included training, 10 matches, and a championship. We have over 300 participants in our league that we were able to get back on the floor to play."
More than 200 local high school volleyball players are getting the opportunity to safely practice with experienced coaches and play games weekly. Varsity teams are made up of athletes between ninth and twelfth grade. JV teams have athletes between sixth and tenth grade.
"It has been a very fun, exciting, and stress free experience that gave me a chance to be able to play with my teammates after the club season ending early along with high school postponed," said Jenna Currie of Hanover High School.
Andrew Onusconich, of Glen Allen High School, explained "It means a lot to be able to have an opportunity to play volleyball again and to see my teammates."
Andy Senka, local high school assistant coach and ODVA fall league coach, added "I think this year's fall league at ODVA is really great for the kids. It gives each athlete an opportunity to play with their friends in a competitive atmosphere while being coached by some of the region's best coaches. I love that we get to meet and coach new kids and see them get better each week. Our biggest goal this season is to have fun, but we're also getting better in the process. I think high school season will be more competitive than ever this spring, and I'm grateful for ODVA for giving us all the opportunity to play the game we love.”
The league will conclude the week of September 28th with a double elimination tournament. For more information about the league or ODVA, contact Elizabeth Ellinger at eellinger@u-turn.org.
"We had anticipated the fact that VHSL would be put in a very hard position to postpone the fall sports," said Elizabeth Ellinger, ODVA Executive Director. "We decided to poll our coaches to see who would be willing to help us build a fall league and in less than a few days time. We were able to put together a plan of action that included training, 10 matches, and a championship. We have over 300 participants in our league that we were able to get back on the floor to play."
More than 200 local high school volleyball players are getting the opportunity to safely practice with experienced coaches and play games weekly. Varsity teams are made up of athletes between ninth and twelfth grade. JV teams have athletes between sixth and tenth grade.
"It has been a very fun, exciting, and stress free experience that gave me a chance to be able to play with my teammates after the club season ending early along with high school postponed," said Jenna Currie of Hanover High School.
Andrew Onusconich, of Glen Allen High School, explained "It means a lot to be able to have an opportunity to play volleyball again and to see my teammates."
Andy Senka, local high school assistant coach and ODVA fall league coach, added "I think this year's fall league at ODVA is really great for the kids. It gives each athlete an opportunity to play with their friends in a competitive atmosphere while being coached by some of the region's best coaches. I love that we get to meet and coach new kids and see them get better each week. Our biggest goal this season is to have fun, but we're also getting better in the process. I think high school season will be more competitive than ever this spring, and I'm grateful for ODVA for giving us all the opportunity to play the game we love.”
The league will conclude the week of September 28th with a double elimination tournament. For more information about the league or ODVA, contact Elizabeth Ellinger at eellinger@u-turn.org.