FUN FACTS
The name Summit Volleyball is derived from two different meanings. First, because of it’s mere definition. A summit is the highest attainable point, which is what the Summit program reaches towards every day. Secondly, the club is located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, whose nickname is the “Summit City” because when the Wabash and Erie Canal were built here, it was the highest point above sea level along the entire canal.
Trish and Allie Miller, Summit’s two JVA Club Directors, are a mother and daughter coaching duo who had a vision of building an elite volleyball club in the Fort Wayne area.
Twenty-nine of the club’s 47 coaches have played for or coached with Executive Director Trish Miller at some point in their volleyball careers, which goes to show they believe in her vision!
All Summit teams practice at the SportONE Parkview Fieldhouse. It is a 75,000 square foot facility that can fit eight volleyball courts, or six High School regulation basketball courts.
Fort Wayne O’Daniel Jeep recently chose to design a model 2016 Jeep Wrangler Summit edition with the Summit Volleyball logo on it. The clubs is still deciding if we want to purchase it as a club car, but here is a picture!
HISTORY
In July 2015, the SportONE Parkview Fieldhouse decided that it would house Summit Volleyball. The Fieldhouse team believed in the goals that Trish and Allie Miller presented to them and they were immediately ready to partner in their journey. In just its first season, Summit has 24 teams, with a mix of both elite and select teams. In the program, there are currently 47 coaches who are committed to transforming their teams into not only great players, but great women, as they strive for potential collegiate volleyball careers.
PROGRAMS
One of the most impactful programs that Summit Volleyball is working on is the All For You scholarship program that is sponsored by SportONE Parkview. The idea is to provide financial support to kids in the area who do not have the means to pay entirely for club sports. Summit’s goal is to acquire sufficient funds to aid in the reduction of gear, practice and tournament fees at all levels of participation. The club believes those who genuinely need help deserve the chance to be able to play the sport that they love! Summit is eager to make a lasting impact in the community with this program.
Another program Summit has implemented is a mentorship program called S.O.S. or “Sisters Of Summit.” Each team is paired up with another and shows extra support to their pair in whichever way they would like. For example, they can create little goody bags for the team before a weekend tournament, create hotel door hangers or matching team ribbons. Summit reminds the girls not to think about only tangible gifts but also giving emotional support, such as showing up at a practice and helping to run drills and shag, as well as playing a fun game together. The coaches and players have free reign to come up with whatever creativity they can!
Summit is thrilled to build on this first year and continue pushing into the future. We believe in building self-confidence in each of our players by demonstrating what it takes to be great. Being a Summit Volleyball player will give them the confidence they need to go out into the world and strive for greatness while also making a difference.
Summit Volleyball is a member of the Junior Volleyball Association, an organization committed to enhancing the junior volleyball experience for club directors, coaches, players and fans. For more information about joining the JVA click here.
