News
End of 2018 Season
Date Posted: 7/26/2018
It’s hard to believe that the 2018 season is officially over. This truly was a record breaking year for Academy. Fielding 31 teams, multiple tournament wins, national qualifications, and endless memories are just a few highlights of this fantastic season.
The year started with the opening of our beautiful new facility, which we have been able to call home throughout the year. After our record breaking tryouts concluded, where we had more attendees than ever before, which increased the competitiveness within every single one of our teams; we saw all teams grow and develop throughout the start of their season.
Our regional teams had tons of success. Starting in January and lasting through the regional championships in March and April, every single weekend an Academy team brought home at least 1 medal. All teams ended up finishing higher than where they started and are truly are the backbone of our mission of ‘building solid volleyball skills and promoting enjoyment of volleyball for life’.
National tournaments throughout the southeast were flooded with Academy teams in gold brackets. Much success was had in these events and even 2 of our teams held an accomplishment none other in Academy history has done – qualify for USAV Nationals from a national tournament. 16 Diamond was the first achieving this at the Disney Showcase Qualifier at the beginning of the year. Then double qualifying at Big South along with 13 Diamond who nabbed their bid at the BSQ.
Prior to the last two tournaments of the season, Academy gathered together on June 10th to celebrate the successful season. Many families came out and a few were honored for their contributions throughout the 2018 year.
Coach Award: Individual non-performance based awards that recognize the athlete on each
team that best represents Academy’s core values and mission statement.
12 Diamond: Graylinn Serge
12 Crystal: Dakota Bagaasen
12 Jade: Natasha Buchler-Fosado
12 Pearl: Sapna Amaresh
13 Diamond: Hannah Rose Morrow
13 Crystal: Kaiya Reyeros
13 Jade: Sydney Hamilton
13 Pearl: Jamiya Borden
13 Ruby: Halle Tourian
13 Sapphire: Carolyn Brueggeman
14 Diamond: Erin Schuette
14 Crystal: Annaleise Darrohn
14 Jade: Kristen Schroeter
14 Pearl: Avery Wood
14 Ruby: Katie Kelaher
14 Sapphire: Angelina Leon
14 Onyx: Sampada Acharya
15 Diamond: Kayla Burbage
15 Crystal: Carolina Guzman
15 Jade: Caroline Howey
15 Pearl: Jessie Skiscim
15 Ruby: Kaylee Turner
16 Diamond: Kelly Kaufmann
16 Crystal: Chloe Smith
16 Jade: Dana Peters
16 Pearl: Terra Dunn
16 Ruby: Lauren Stanfa
16 Sapphire: Isabella Eley
17 Diamond: Paige Emore
Team Award (Above & Beyond): 13 Jade
The team-level award that recognizes the exceptional team performance and coaching excellence
for a non-national team.
Academy Award: Individual performance-based award presented to the athlete that makes
significant contributions to Academy. These contributions include: exceptional performance, work
ethic, coachability, high character and cohesiveness within their team and the club.
Audrey Ericksen - 13 Diamond
Nicole De Oliveira - 14 Diamond
Laney Choboy - 15 Diamond
Emani’ Foster - 16 Diamond
Service Award: Special award for our staff members and parents who volunteered significant
hours to assist Academy’s operation, management and projects, especially during 2017 facility
construction and relocation project.
Coach’s Service Award: Bruce Cao, Jeff Feuerhelm, Tom Yount, Latacha DeOliveira
Parent’s Service Award: Matthew Smallwood
The final endings for all Academy teams happened in 2 locations – AAU’s in Orlando, Florida and Detroit, Michigan where USAV was held. 14 Diamond took home a medal finishing in the Diamond division of 14 Premier and both 16 and 13 Diamond finished 13th overall at USAV Nationals.
Along with the club accomplishments, Academy graduates one senior this year, McLendyn Weathersby. She has committed to play for William Peace University and will start her 4 years with them this fall. We look forward to watching her continue to grow throughout her collegiate career and look forward to seeing all athletes again after their school seasons in the fall.