Meet the Winners of our Shop to Win Challenge: The Puyallup Juniors 13 National

Some of our seasons might be paused, but it doesn't mean we have to stop celebrating FlipGive teams. Our Shop to Win Challenge winners, the Puyallup Juniors 13 National, is an amazing Volleyball team who powered through their league and grew to be one of the best teams of their region. Read on to know how they are sticking together through COVID-19, their favorite moment this season and more.

 

1.Tell us more about your team, what makes it special?

 

They are a diverse team made up of kids from different racial and ethnic backgrounds who work well together and support each other on and off the court. During the 2019 season which was their first year playing together as a team they went on to win just about every tournament and power league they participated in and ended the season as the #1 team in our region for their age. They also won a bid to 2019 USA Volleyball Girls Junior National Championship.

 

2.How does your team hope to use their winnings?

 

Parents hope to use the winnings to pay for team uniforms, tuition, travel tournaments and volleyball fees although we’re sure the kids may have different ideas on how to spend the winnings.

 

3.With sports on hold, how is your team staying together?

 

Unfortunately, due to social distancing the team has not had any in-person contact since early March. Some players have stayed in touch by posting videos of different skills or connecting via live group videos or messenger apps.

 

4.As a sports parent, how are you keeping your kids training at home?

 

Many players have incorporated some level of exercise, agility and volleyball drills into their daily routine while at home.

 

5. In this new environment, how will things change for your team when your season starts up again?

 

Players will have to social distance and will not be able to support their team mates with hugs or high fives like they have done in the past.  Parents may not be able to watch tournaments courtside.

 

6.What's your most positive or memorable team moment?

 

Watching this team bond and start out as the underdog only to become one of the best teams in our region. One of the most exciting moments was during an out of state 2-day tournament the girls played in 2019. Our team was down 24-16 and fought their way back to win and come in 1^st place for their age group. It was also very exciting to attend the USA Volleyball Girls Junior National Championship in Indianapolis for the first time in 2019.  In 2020 the , the team was invited to play in the Kansas City Triple Crown Tournament where they placed 3^rd in their category and age.  All of the parents were supportive of each and every team member from day one and some have formed lasting friendships as well.