Biltmore Volleyball Academy announces 2016 try outs

Press release from the Biltmore Volleyball Academy:

(Asheville, NC) Biltmore Volleyball Academy (BVA) will hold its second round of tryouts for high school players for the 2016 season this Sunday, November 15 at Asheville School. Simultaneously, BVA will raise funds to support AC Reynolds Volleyball Coach Lori Ledford for her breast cancer treatment. For every player & coach that wears a pink shirt at tryouts, BVA will make a donation in honor of Lori, and encourages past players and the community to join them through their own gift.

Coach Lori Ledford has been a driving force for volleyball in Western North Carolina for 10 years. She was recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer & had a mastectomy on Wednesday November 11. Coach Ledford was a catalyst for the “Volley for a Cure” games that are a staple for the AC Reynolds Volleyball team helping local women afflicted with breast cancer. And in a cruel twist of fate, the disease that she worked so hard to eradicate has now afflicted Coach Ledford. Lori will have a long fight ahead of her. Additionally, she will be out of work during her recovery, and is supporting two children in college. The volleyball community is coming together to support their friend and colleague, and seeks the support of past players and the community at-large to do the same.

Donations will be accepted during the Biltmore Volleyball Academy’s 2016 Season for High School Try Outs for 15-18 year olds, and the time for each age group is as follows:

• 2-4 PM Ages 15 & Under
• 4-6 PM Ages 16 & Under
• 5:30-7:30 PM Ages 18 & Under

Biltmore Volleyball Academy is a nonprofit organization, and was founded in 1995 to promote and enhance volleyball in Western North Carolina by providing a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for all ages and levels to develop. BVA is the premier club in WNC offering the highest level of coaching, including Mars Hill University, UNCA, and area high school coaches from Division I and II. Biltmore Volleyball Academy not only gives WNC players the opportunity to play a longer volleyball season, but playing club volleyball has emerged as a pivotal component for players seeking college recruitment.

In its 20th season, more than 35 Biltmore Volleyball Club players have graduated to play volleyball in college. The BVA Class of 2015 graduated Sydney Kanupp (Middle Blocker) to start her college career at Mt. Olive; and Catherine Goss (Outside Hitter/Right Side) signed with Brevard College.

Looking ahead at the Class of 2016, several BVA players, past and present, have been recognized with awards for a vigorous high school season:

• Sally Anne Johnson Enka High School’s Outside is the recipient of xxxxxxx and was recognized for her strength and skill.
• Audrey Nash Asheville High School’s Setter and a Captain is the recipient of the inaugural Cougar Award for Best All Around Player recognizing her strength, intensity, and leadership.
• Claire Cole Asheville High School’s Outside and a Captain was recognized as the Best Offensive Player for her ability to
  deliver.
• Maria Karnezis Asheville High School’s Libero was recognized as the Best Defensive Player and an Honorable Mention for All Conference for her tenacity.
• Gracie Thayer TC Roberson’s Outside and Middle is the recipient of xxxxxxx and was recognized for her strength and skill.
• Mackensie Walker TC Roberson’s Outside is the recipient of and was recognized for .
• Morgan Ballard North Buncombe’s Libero is the recipient of and was recognized for . Morgan has already committed to play with XXXX.

For all players interested in competing with BVA this season, there is a $35 Tryout Fee. Participants are encouraged to arrive 15-30 minutes prior to their time slot and bring the necessary paperwork: BVA Informational Sheet; BVA Tryout Form; 2016 Medical Release; Carolina Region Membership Card; Copy of Birth Certificate; and a small head shot picture. During the tryouts, there is a mandatory meeting for parents and/or guardians. Based on availability, players presenting their Carolina Region Membership Card will receive a free T-shirt.

To Download Try out Forms, & Receive Additional information, including the Tournament Schedule, visit BVA’s website at www.biltmorevolleyballacademy.org; or on FaceBook https://www.facebook.com/BiltmoreVolleyballAcademy. To make a direct contribution on-line for the fund for Coach Lori Ledford, please visit https://www.gofundme.com/sf9fr5h8.