2012 was a big year for our region, bringing the Indoor High Performance program back into the forefront of our post-regionals programming. The Region Board of Directors took a vote in March 2012 to support a Region HP program. Immediately a committee was established to get the planning phases started. With little time to prepare and promote, tryout, camp and training window dates were set. Junior members were sent emails about the program. Tryouts were set for the Saturday following Bid Regionals, with approximately 120 girls attending, 60 per division (Select and Youth). From tryouts, 28 Youth and 32 Select athletes were invited to camp. Once camp started, the total number of attendees was 18 and 32. Through the four day camp, coaches evaluated players and at the camp’s conclusion, selected 12 players. Ultimately, 11 players per team traveled to the 2012 USAV High Performance Championships.
The 2012 North Texas Region High Performance Teams:
2012 Select Team
Head Coach: Kenneth Murczek
Assistant Coach: Nicole Harris
Caroline Anderson
Alli Bliss
Maggie Cross
Brooke Harrison
Whitney Harrison
Morgan Hinds
Allison Hoang
Delanie Lewis
Kylee McLaughlin
Rachel Meyne
Lauren Moussaid
2012 Youth Team
Head Coach: Sarah Rumely
Assistant Coach: Craig Case
Catherine Balido
Alexis Burke
Stephanie Chavez
Jordan Eades
Emily Kane
Michelle Krenowicz
Alexa Lehman
Ashley Mainord
Nicole Mosley
Tia Nayar
Katie Rebrovich
Both teams traveled with their coaches the afternoon of July 23. The teams were able to get some breakfast the next morning and start their first day of play. Both teams had one match prior to the Opening Ceremonies. The teams paraded into the halls in their red and white cowboy hats, waving and sharing greetings with Iowa Region players and staff. The girls had athletes (boys and girls) ask to trade hats for other region trinkets, with many taking home necklaces from their new Hawaiian friends. The girls were entertained by the New Zealand boys team during the Ceremonies. Through the next few days, both teams competed in pool play. The Select team was in a six team pool, where only the top two advanced. The team finished 3-2, losing to Iowa and SCVA, who went on to finish 1st and 2nd in the Select Division. Once out of contention for Group 1, the Select team went undefeated in their remaining matches, finishing 7th in the event. The Youth team was in a four team pool and after a good showing in their pool, they finished 2nd and advanced to Group 1. The team faced strong opposition, but stayed in every match played. The Youth team finished the event in 8th place. What a great accomplishment it is to say that in the first year back in the program, both teams finished in the top half of their field.
The teams had some quiet time as they had fewer matches each day later in the event. Due to a late start in planning, they unfortunately weren’t able to head out of town until a full day after ending competition. Even though some girls had an opportunity to drive back with parents, they chose to stay with their team until leaving Des Moines.
Many thanks go out to the players and families who committed to the program with such short notice. The families rolled with the punches, making plans that likely impacted summer vacations. The North Texas Region is very appreciative of the talented, committed coaches who worked at tryouts and camp and those who were selected to coach the teams. The girls were very receptive to the coaching they received. With little planning, the Region had to lean on area facilities and vendors with little notice. The facilities of Texas Image, VIP, Tejas, Arlington Courts and Assault donated court space for tryouts, camp and training, with others offering space if needed. AtPromo was able to print t-shirts literally a couple days before tryouts, making the evaluation process easier for the coaches. TeamLeader worked with our tight schedule to produce a uniform package that looked great and was the envy of our region teams. Finally, thanks go out to Kevin Anderson and Laura Gomez who began the initial phases of planning. Laura Gomez’s prior experience with a region HP program was invaluable in setting up tryouts and planning out the remainder of the program schedule.
Again, thank you to all those who participated in any capacity! We are very thankful for those who believed in the program. We’re already making plans to make next year even better!
Two NTR players, Sarah Langs (select) and Kylie Pickrell (youth), made their national HP A1 teams and trained then played at the HP championships in Des Moins. They both have been invited to Colorado Springs Olympic Facilities to train in the HP Holiday Camp December 26-30.