Marist volleyball just finished hosting their annual grammar school Valentine’s Day tournament from Monday February 3 to Saturday February 22.
“It is a fun experience for the young players,” says Head Varsity Coach Jordan Vidovic.
With the help from all members of the Marist volleyball program, the goal is to create a warm atmosphere for participants.
“Our own players, who they look up to, welcoming them,” says Vidovic.
During the tournament, Marist hosts both public and private grammar schools, offers many apparel options, and a variety of foods to eat.
“The best part of the tournament now is having young players from many different schools both public and private compete,” says Vidovic.
The tournament is held in the Marist gymnasiums and the Sportsplex, splitting the days between both locations.
“The set up is a team effort and there is a great tournament staff to make it an enjoyable experience for the teams,” says Vidovic.
“I personally like working at Marist better because I’m more familiar with it,” says varsity player Elise Bocanegra.
Many Marist players look forward to the tournament year after year.
“It lets me stay involved in the program even when my own school season is over,” says Bocanegra.
This tournament started 20 years ago and is credited with bringing many students to Marist.
“I did play in this tournament once or twice,” says Bocanegra.
“I do think it draws in incoming students because they get to be in the environment that we’re in 24/7 during the high school season,” says Bocanegra. “They get to meet our coaches and players and I think it’s really beneficial for them especially if they’re looking to play here at Marist.”
Apparel items for sale included customized hoodies, shirts, sweatpants, and crews including airbrushed art on the clothing. With concessions, there were many options to pick, from candy to pizza and many drink options.
“I got a slice of pizza and it was very good,” says freshman Kiersten Fetzer.
Going on for so many years, millions of memories have been made not just for the players but also staff.
“Best memories are the championship Mondays with two courts going in the main gym and packed stands with fans coming to see the teams play,” says Vidovic.
The Valentine’s Day grammar school tournament will continue at Marist in the future, giving younger girls the chance to play in a high school atmosphere.
“They don’t get to play in many tournament style competitions for their schools and this tournament has an added element of contests, gifts, and themes created by our Program players,” says Vidovic.
