It is an honour to welcome you to St. Michaels University School for the 2009 Senior Girls AA Provincial Volleyball Championship.
The game of volleyball has come a long way since its inception in the Holyoke Massachusetts YMCA in 1895. Invented by YMCA Director of Physical Education William Morgan, the game was developed in response to the popularity of a relatively new sport called ‘basketball,’ which was hugely successful with the younger crowd. Morgan envisioned a sport which would be equally popular, but more suitable for the ‘older’ members of the YMCA, and volleyball—or ‘mintonette, as it was first called—was it.
I am fairly certain that Morgan did not envision the evolution to a sport which today involves muscular young athletes jumping high in the air to spike or block an incoming ball; overhand serves at the speed of light; and a global popularity rate second only to soccer!
In our gyms this week, you will see dedicated young athletes led by equally dedicated coaches. You will see team spirit, optimism, determination, and leadership, for volleyball is as much a forum for character development as it is for athletic growth and development.
I do not doubt that you will see some unforgettable matches, and meet some unforgettable young athletes during your time here. Sit back…or sit on the edge of your seat, and enjoy!
Sincerely,
Kathy L. Roth,
Director
SMUS Senior School
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