Rec Center's Next Step: Volleyball

When asking any sports-involved District 101 graduate about their most memorable moments athletically, it'd be a safe bet that one of their fondest recollections would reference a Western Springs Recreation Center program, whether it's the fabled basketball league, summer sports camps or simply blowing off some steam with leisure games during open gym times.

With the recent addition of an organized 5^th/6^th grade girls volleyball league, memories of bumps, sets and spikes will soon follow.

Recreation Center Director Tracy Alden considers the new program an enjoyable learning experience for Western Springs' female youth.

"We want to teach them the game the right way," Alden said. "We want them to have fun in practices, to meet new friends, learn some new skills, and experience some excitement."

The recreation center also promotes equal participation and playing time combined with a reasonably competitive in-game atmosphere.

"The purpose of the program is to allow any child an opportunity to learn volleyball in a fun yet competitive environment," Alden said. "Winning isn't the main goal, though it is inherent in playing any sport."

Teams will be grouped as they are during the 5^th/6^th grade basketball season, with elementary schools producing one or two teams each at the 5^th grade level. For the 6^th grade echelon, McClure Junior High School will put out between three and four squads, while Highlands Middle School and St. John of the Cross will add one of their own apiece. Team practices will begin in mid-September with games starting early in October, though exact dates have not yet been determined.

Alden's decision to create the league is partially an attempt to balance athletic participation opportunities among girls and boys.

"We have to start somewhere," Alden said. "Boys are more involved in soccer and football where girls don't always have as much to do sport-wise, though some do play soccer. "This year is for the girls, only to get it off the ground."

The expansion of organized activities within Western Springs is designated to strengthen the community, and for kids at least, such activities augment social development as well as physical health.

"I think the kids enjoy it because they're in a more comfortable atmosphere," Western Springs resident and middle school mother Laura Jachim said. "[The sports] can also help them get to know kids better and break out of their comfort zones, which is good for them."

Though the league's inaugural year will indeed be limited to girls only, boys may be included in future years depending on the first year's successes.

Rather than extend the recreational basketball league to other ages, Alden opted to branch out with a sport that differs in season due to space parameters.

"I've always had people asking why basketball isn't offered at the 7^th/8^th grade level," Alden said. "Frankly, I just don't have gym space. This is in the fall, so it doesn't conflict with the gym time for basketball."

 The Western Springs Recreational Center provides other free time activities such as open gym basketball, dodgeball, tumbling, dance, and even some adult fitness classes. For more information about the volleyball league, please contact the rec center at 708-246-9070.