New Youth Volleyball League in Novato

Youth Volleyball Goes Viral In Novato-From 12 to 200 Players in 9 Months!

Long-time active member of Novato community and schools, Katie Lucey, is keeping the Volleyball Fever alive in Novato.  Once CYO season ended, players wanted more play so she put together a volleyball program for her then small team of twelve.   Word traveled quickly and the initial group of twelve has grown to over 200 players.  “Several moms even caught the bug and now play on a weekly basis,” notes Katie.  What was started purely unintentionally has become a structured program and Novato Youth Volleyball Association (NYVA) has been formed.           

NYVA offers girls varying levels of volleyball instruction and play.  Players are divided by age – primarily 4^th through 8^th grades – and by skill level – Beginner to Advanced Players. Founder Lucy comments, “We have quite a unique program where girls receive the most current teaching strategies and play in a very fun, friendly and interactive team-building environment.   I’m amazed at how quickly our girls have developed both a passion for the sport and camaraderie as a team.” 

Lucey’s passion for volleyball is contagious.  The backgrounds and experience of NYVA’s head coaches are also quite impressive.  Co-Head Coach Stephanie Peters was recruited by Cal Berkeley to play Division I Intercollegiate Volleyball, and Co-Head Coach Kari Whalen played semi-pro ball abroad.  NYVA has engaged the further help of varsity team players from San Marin and Marin Catholic High Schools.   “The experience and special talents of our adult and student coaches span not only the various court positions  but also the high school, college and semi-pro levels – a great collection of talent giving younger girls an inside perspective to the level of play today at the high school level.”  Lucey is most proud of how her high school girls have embraced the importance of being kind and good role models to our impressionable young girls.  “It’s truly a ‘win-win’ all the way around!”

 The girls are having a blast and parents are equally enthusiastic.   Lucey is all too familiar and appreciates what her parents are saying.  “Being a mom of two daughters, I know how growing up today can present girls with many difficult social challenges, especially those that come during the middle school years.  Volleyball is a terrific sport and we provide a setting where girls can leave their social and academic worries behind while gaining new skills, forming new friendships and getting a great workout.   Whether she is an aspiring college-bound athlete or the girl who simply enjoys time on the court with her peers, our instruction and placement take all of that into consideration.”     

“It’s important to note that NYVA would not have come to life without the cooperation and dedication of the Novato Youth Center and many of their employees,” comments Lucey.  “They have worked tirelessly in a short period of time and have been amazing in opening their arms, and their gymnasium to become home to NYVA.” The Novato Youth Center is a private nonprofit organization celebrating its 35^th year of serving 3,500 youth and families annually in a variety of programs (visit www.novatoyouthcenter.org).

Instructional clinics and play are held one night a week, in ten week sessions, and cost $135.00 per session. “We are the avenue for those not ready or wanting the competitive nature found at the club level, where time and/or expense commitments are prohibitive for many.”   

NYVA’s mission is to protect, honor and build girls’ self-confidence and self-worth while learning and having fun in volleyball. For more information about NYVA, the upcoming Spring Intramural League and Beginner Player Instructional Clinics, visit www.NovatoYouthVolleyball.com, or call Coach Lucey at (415) 895-5200.