“We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.”
~Franklin D. Roosevelt
The JVA is pleased to announce the 12 individuals honored with the 2020 JVA Junior Club Service Award. This award recognizes the dedication and loyalty of the coaches, club directors and administrators of JVA member clubs who have been active in junior volleyball for at least 20 years. We are so thankful to these individuals for their service to junior volleyball.
“In a year when our youth needs mentors, guidance and strength the most, it is truly humbling for the JVA staff to be able to honor these 12 deserving award winners” says JVA Director of Member Development Lisa Wielebnicki. “The time and dedication they have put into our sport while shaping so many student athletes lives should never go unnoticed. We are grateful to them for their commitment and for providing our youth with the tools to not only be better volleyball players, but also better people.”
The honorees will be celebrated during the JVA Annual Gathering on Wednesday, December 16th streamed live on FaceBook and YouTube. Click here to RSVP and receive the live stream information Wednesday morning.
This award is presented by 431 Sports, the Official Team Dealer of the JVA that offers the best product selection, customer service and exclusive benefits and rewards to volleyball clubs. Recipients will receive a $50 gift card plus free shipping to the JVA store on behalf of 431 Sports.
Congratulations to the 2020 JVA Junior Club Service Award Recipients!
Omaha, NE
20 years of service
Notable Accomplishments: Started coaching for River city in 2001-2002 season. Became the Asst. Director in 2006. Is Co-Owner of TVA (The Volleyball Academy) founded in 2006. Has coached one of the top teams in the club for the past 10 years. Helps run the AVCA Phenom Showcase from 2015-present.
Morrisville, NC
22 years of service
Notable Accomplishments: 35 total years of coaching. 18 total USAV Junior National Qualifications. Coached 7 NCAA All-Americans. Coached 4 USA National Team members. Inducted into Lady Vol Athletic Hall of Fame in 2005.
Cincinnati, OH
30 years of service
Notable Accomplishments: Founder of Cincinnati Volleyball Academy. Founder of Ohio Premier Volleyball Club. Inducted in the University of Wyoming Athletics Hall of Fame. In 2 years she grew Ohio Premier from 1 boys team to 12 boys teams.
Poulsbo, WA
41 years of service
Notable Accomplishments: 1990 USVBA Leader in Volleyball Honorable Mention. 1997 USAV Junior Program Director of the Year. 2012 PSR Bill Neville Leadership Award. Founder of Great Lakes Region High Performance Program. Founder of Puget Sound Region HP Program. Current Program Director for Puget Sound Region.
Indianapolis, IN
25 years of service
Notable Accomplishments: 8 Top 10 National Championship finishes including Runner-Up at 2009 AAU National Championships (12s) and 3rd at 2012 AAU National Championships (12s).
Santa Rosa, CA
28 years of service
Notable Accomplishments: Jr National Women’s A1 team coach for 8 years. USAV National High Performance Program since 2000. A mentor to new club directors forming their own youth sports organizations. Empire VBC coach since 1992.
Webster, TX
26 years of service
Notable Accomplishments: She began her coaching career in 1986 and is beginning her 34th year of coaching high school volleyball. Coached at Texas Riptide with Director Katy Garza until she merged with Jerry Linch to form AVA.
Omaha, NE
20 years of service
Notable Accomplishments: Started coaching for River city in 2001. Nationally Certified referee & scorekeeper. Helps run the AVCA Phenom Showcase from 2015-present. Asst. coach for the RCJ Boys 18U team in 2019.
Gray, ME
27 years of service
Notable Accomplishments: Founded Maine Juniors in 2000. Little East Conference Coach of the Year 2003. Founded Portland North VBC in 1989. Maine Athletic Conference (NAIA) Coach of the Year in 1996 and 1997. Maine State Volleyball Youth Coordinator 1989- 1992
Wilder, KY
26 years of service
Notable Accomplishments: 3rd Place at 2019 USAV Nationals (13 National). 3rd Place at 2016 USAV Nationals (13 National). 3rd Place at 2008 USAV Nationals (13 American). Developmental program coach at NKYVC, and runs training clinics for NKYVC outreach.
Grand Rapids, MI
20 years of service
Notable Accomplishments: MSA Sports Director (volleyball, soccer, lacrosse and basketball).2nd Place at 2007 USAV Nationals. 2nd Place at 2008 AAU Nationals. 3rd Place at 2009 AAU Nationals. Coached 11 All-Americans.
Springfield, IL
23 years of service
Notable Accomplishments: Grew the club from 40 athletes to 260 in 3 years. 1997 Indiana Coach of the Year. Over 500 high school victories. Over 40 athletes in the last 6 years have played collegiately.
About the Junior Volleyball Association
The Junior Volleyball Association (JVA) is a non-profit organization that promotes the growth of youth and junior volleyball through program and resource development, education and events. The organization was formed in 2006 with a primary focus of being a voice for junior volleyball club directors and coaches, and to this day is the only organization that is focused entirely on youth and junior volleyball.
