ROGUEvember Updates (11/19/23)

Well, now that “tryout week” is behind us… As it turns out, there are a TON of girls who love volleyball. You want to play the game, improve your skills, and compete in tournaments. In Northeast Ohio and beyond, there are hundreds of thousands who love this game and want to play it. We think every single kid who wants to play deserves a place to play, a team to enjoy, and a coach to learn from.

JO Volleyball needs to have more fun. There’s more to this game than a relentless chase for scholarships, medals, fame, and the attention of coaches who have less power than they think they do. Your worth and your value and your potential on the court do not define who you are. This is just Volleyball.

At the same time, if you love Volleyball, we think there should be more opportunities to play, to improve, to compete, to learn, to connect, to enjoy, and to run. We applaud those clubs and organizations that offer things for all skill levels and all backgrounds. And we could use a few more of those “things” – Volleyball leagues, camps, clinics, tournaments, teams, coaches who care, and places to play.

As we reach the middle of our very first ROGUEvember, here are some big updates to share…

• Both of our teams are signed up for the EARLY BIRD EXTRAVAGANZA in Sandusky on December 9-10. We see it as a perfect way to practice, scrimmage a bunch of teams from around Northeast Ohio, and work on our team’s timing and chemistry. We can’t wait to have a blast that weekend together!
• Now, our players will go about the business of registering as players in the OVR, fitting for uniforms, getting to know each other and their coaches, and hopefully having a great Thanksgiving. We recommend Starbucks’ Thanksgiving Blend Dark Roast, for those of you who care.
• Alexis Kroah at 4.40 Performance hosted a workout for the girls from our 16U team last night, and they loved it. Working on strength, speed, jumping, endurance, and so much more. Thank you, Alexis!! We can’t recommend their workouts or their training staff enough!
• Next season, perhaps we partner with other local clubs to host an “orientation to club Volleyball” and feature various clubs, leagues, and opportunities for young people to play and learn. Seems like a lot of players and families are brand new to the whole scene, and it wouldn’t hurt to talk about all the options.
• Word is getting around about the new “rogue club” and I’ve had calls from parents and messages and emails coming. Even after another weekend of tryouts, it seems like there remains a need for more clubs, teams, and opportunities. We shouldn’t put a limit on how much this sport could grow, or how many people are allowed to play it.