NEPA Elite Volleyball Club: A Tale of Two Powerhouse Teams Headed to Nationals
By: Brad Loff | Sportzwire | February 7, 2025 | Photo courtesy BL Sports Photography.com
The NEPA Elite Volleyball Club will proudly represent NEPA at the 52nd AAU Junior National Championships in Orlando, Florida. Both the 13U Blizzard and 16U Storm teams have earned their place on this prestigious stage through hard work, dedication, and outstanding performances. As they prepare to compete against the nation's top talent, they carry the pride and spirit of NEPA with them, showcasing the strength and determination of athletes from our region.
The NEPA Elite Volleyball Club, since its inception, has embodied excellence, sportsmanship, and the relentless pursuit of growth both on and off the court. Their mission is clear: to foster hard work, teamwork, and character while building athletes who excel not just in volleyball but in life. This mission is reflected in the dedication of every player, coach, and staff member involved in the club's programs. Two shining examples of this ethos are the 13U Blizzard and 16U Storm teams, both of which have carved impressive paths through their respective seasons, leaving a trail of victories and memorable performances.
13U Blizzard: A Season of Dominance
The NEPA Elite 13U Blizzard team, under the expert guidance of Coach Roote, has been nothing short of spectacular. Starting their season with an undefeated 8-0 record at the 2024 AAU Holiday Showcase, the team showcased unmatched determination, not dropping a single set throughout the tournament. This flawless performance earned them the championship title in the Girls 12/13 Gold Division, setting the tone for a remarkable season filled with passion and grit.
The Blizzard roster, featuring standout players like Kaylin (#13), Vivienee (#12), Chloe (#8), Riley (#19), McKenzie (#7), Vayda (#6), Emily (#16), Brooklyn (#17), Aubree (#34), Lily (#4), and Kendra (#29), has displayed exceptional skill, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Their synergy on the court is a testament to countless hours of practice, strategic gameplay, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Each player brings unique strengths, contributing to the team's dynamic and cohesive performance.
Continuing their winning streak, the Blizzard emerged victorious at the Spooky Nook Winter Blast 13U Tournament and the 14U Northeast Blizzard Brawl, finishing with a flawless 10-0 record. Their ability to adapt to different opponents and execute precise strategies has been key to their success. Their performance at the AAU Happy Valley Rally further highlighted their resilience, securing a commendable 2nd place overall after battling fiercely against top-tier teams. The team’s journey culminated in the AAU IRoy Winter Fest, where they once again demonstrated their prowess, earning medals against formidable regional competition.
Now, the 13U Blizzard is setting their sights on an even bigger stage as they prepare to compete at the 52nd AAU Junior National Championships located at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. Representing NEPA and the Northeast area, their hard work, dedication, and outstanding performances have earned them a spot among the nation's elite, and they are ready to showcase their talents on a national level. The excitement and anticipation are palpable as the team focuses on fine-tuning their skills and strategies to face the country's best teams.
16U Storm: Rising Through Adversity
The NEPA Elite 16U Storm, coached by the dynamic and inspiring Coach Kerecman, embodies resilience and grit. Their season kicked off with an inspiring comeback at The 2025 Revolution of the New Year tournament, where they overturned a daunting 0-12 deficit to win 25-20, followed by another comeback from 0-8 to clinch the second set 25-18. These victories showcased the team's mental toughness, determination, and ability to perform under pressure, highlighting their refusal to back down in the face of adversity.
The Storm roster, featuring talented athletes such as Karly (#14), Regan (#15), Sadie (#33), Lydia (#29), Juliana (#3), Aurora (#9), Lily (#12), Samantha (#28), Emily (#21), Gianna (#11), and Brynlee (#31), has consistently demonstrated skill, discipline, and exceptional teamwork. Their impressive run continued with a championship win at the 16U Northeast Blizzard Brawl and a dominant performance at the Miller Center Lewisburg Tournament, where they finished first in pool play and secured the overall title with sheer determination and skill.
The Storm's journey through the AAU Happy Volley Tournament was equally commendable, finishing 4th in the highly competitive Gold Division. Their tenacity was on full display at the AAU IRoy Winter Fest, where they earned medals, solidifying their reputation as one of the top teams in their division. Each player has contributed significantly to the team's success, with standout performances in both offensive and defensive plays, demonstrating a well-rounded and versatile squad.
With their remarkable achievements propelling them forward, the 16U Storm is also headed to the 52nd AAU Junior National Championships at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. Representing NEPA and the Northeast area, this prestigious event will provide them with the opportunity to compete against the best teams in the country, and they are eager to rise to the challenge and continue their winning legacy. The team's preparation includes intensive training sessions, strategic planning, and mental conditioning to ensure they are ready to face any obstacle on the national stage.
A Unified Mission: Building Champions On and Off the Court
At the heart of both the 13U Blizzard and 16U Storm's success is NEPA Elite's unwavering commitment to developing not just athletes, but well-rounded individuals. Their mission focuses on fostering an environment where hard work, respect, integrity, and sportsmanship are paramount. This philosophy extends beyond the court, shaping young athletes into leaders, role models, and responsible individuals within their communities.
The coaching staff, including Coaches Roote and Kerecman, plays a pivotal role in shaping these young athletes. Their expertise, mentorship, and dedication have been instrumental in guiding their teams through challenging competitions and helping them achieve remarkable milestones. Their approach goes beyond technical skills, emphasizing mental toughness, strategic thinking, and the importance of teamwork and collaboration.
As both teams prepare for the 52nd AAU Junior National Championships in Orlando, Florida, they continue to inspire with their achievements, reflecting the core values of NEPA Elite Volleyball Club. Their journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, teamwork, and the unyielding spirit of young athletes striving for greatness. The future is undoubtedly bright for the 13U Blizzard and 16U Storm, as they continue to set new benchmarks in the world of youth volleyball.
Their story is not just about wins and championships; it's about growth, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. It’s about the friendships forged, lessons learned, and memories created along the way. As they head to Orlando for the Nationals, they carry with them not just the hopes of victory but the pride of representing NEPA Elite, NEPA, the Northeast area, and the countless hours of dedication that brought them to this moment.
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