FHJRS - Cleveland

Alex had her first volleyball tournament this past weekend. They did a whole lot better than I thought they would do with a 3rd place finish out of 5 teams. But, they did beat two teams and came VERY close to beating the other two teams. I think further into the season we will see a huge difference. They still looked a little unsure of themselves and this is the first time many of them have ever been on a volleyball team - I am expecting great things from them...

Volleyball is no longer played the way we played it - or maybe we just played it wrong. You have certain players who play particular positions, with a first hitter, second hitter, and third hitter. There is now a Libero. And they serve overhanded. I am learning this game slowly but surely. In the picture above, all three front row girls started out in the middle (it all has to do with the rotation), then they go to their "position" after the ball is served. (Al is the 3rd one from the net).

They also now wear very tiny spandex shorts. Not sure why they were those...

In this picture, Alex is starting out behind the girl on the back row (another rotation issue). As soon as the ball is served she goes to the net to get in position to set the ball to the third hitter. At times it looks like she is running from the ball but it's not "her hit". She has to get in position because the girl who has first hit is supposed to hit it to her so she can set it. I think. I'm still learning.

Also during the day, they have to referee games. I guess that's how you host a tournament and make lots of money off of it, you let the girls and coaches do the reffing, then you don't have to pay for refs out of your profit. I love the way they are looking at Alex in this picture (really they are looking at the ball) but it almost makes you think she should get a good head start and RUN!

Before each game they did this little chant. We could hear them doing something but they were off in the corner so we couldn't see them. When I went over there they were doing this... They were doing their "thing". Some of them (Alex) looked quite self conscious doing this but hopefully they will get over that, too.

Alex's Awards Day

Alex had an awards day at school, a 6th grade awards day. She has made good grades all year but they were not "top of the class" award material grades. When they called her name for the Science Effort award I was so very proud of her. That is definitely the most challenging class for her but she does try. I will give her that. She will hang in there, dig in, and try. I was glad to see they had this award - a little recognition for the ones who are not necessarily gifted students but students that will always try hard.

That night, she had her volleyball end of the season party. They had pizza, got awards, and bowled. This was her first year playing volleyball and it is her newest "favorite" sport. She got the most improved 6th grader award and is very excited about the camps they are going to go to this summer and CANNOT WAIT UNTIL NEXT SEASON.

(I still have a lot to learn about my new camera. I got Katie very focused but Alex is just a blur.)

Alex thinks this is the greatest coaching staff she has every played for. Thanks to you guys!!

Since their team won the league in our county and also won the tournament, they received championship shirts, silver necklaces with volleyball charms, and a championship picture. They had a great season and will really miss the 8th grade friends that were a part of their team this year.