Team Spotlight - Amarillo Elite Volleyball

Information below was submitted by Douglas Campbell, a parent, board member and webmaster for Amarillo Elite Volleyball.

Here is a story that took place with our 17 National team during the Las Vegas Classic.

Our AEV 17 National took third place at the Las Vegas Classic - the only Texas team to leave with a medal. The highlight of the tournament was when AEV played and beat TAV 17 Asics 25-20, 25-27, 16-14. TAV is always a strong club and this friendly rivalry between our clubs produce some of the best volleyball competition you will watch.

After winning the match the players ran out to try to catch their flight to make it back home for the TAKS test (Texas Assessment Knowledge Skills) which is required to pass as a junior to graduate. On the way, the team found out that there was a 5-6 hour wait to get through security. This delay was due to the large number of visitors in Las Vegas for the NBA All-Star game. Unable to make their flight in time, the players rushed back to the gym to play in the semifinal match against TCA. Two of our 17 National players left to catch a later flight (turns out they couldn’t get on it either!!), so our 17 National team played two players short, and lost a heartbreaker, 15-25, 25-19, 10-15.

Then unable to get a flight back to Amarillo the team rented three minivans and drove the 13 hours back - just in time to get ready for school and take that TAKS test! They drove through three snowstorms, and actually made it in time - even the Lubbock girls!! That is one tournament that won't be forgotten in a long time! This shows the dedication that many volleyball athletes demonstrate both as solid students and good citizens in their responsibilities.