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The History of Wild Blue
Mike Williams started Wild Blue VBC in 2000 in order to create an affordable Junior Olympic Volleyball experience focused on quality. In 2002, the small, local club expanded to allow more athletes to benefit from a great volleyball experience, with all the teachings and methodologies that other larger clubs offer, while retaining the lower cost.
In the past, Wild Blue VBC fielded teams between 13 and 18 years of age, with many age groups having up to three teams. Unlike other clubs, Wild Blue VBC has never restricted their teams’ tournaments to “National”, “Regional”, or “Local.” All Wild Blue VBC teams are allowed to attempt to qualify and register for any tournament.
This year, Wild Blue VBC again looks to field teams for girls ranging from 13 through 18 years of age. The current coaching staff includes Head and Assistant NCAA Volleyball coaches, retired NCAA coaches, and local high school head and assistant coaches with significant coaching experience or collegiate playing backgrounds.
Club Philosophy
As Wild Blue matures, so too does our club philosophy. The initial Wild Blue philosophy has grown and adapted to the ever-changing volleyball community since the 2000 season, but remains steadfast in the 4 concepts necessary for successful volleyball.
We, at Wild Blue, have four goals for every athlete:
- Develop Character
- At Wild Blue you can rest assured that we will inspire your child to develop the traits that define a person as she grows. These traits include integrity, intensity, teamwork, leadership, discipline, courage, and sportsmanship.
- Develop the TEAM concept
- We are all part of the same family and as such support all teams and players in their quest to become better athletes.
- Develop Individual Skills
- Through uniform teaching techniques, all athletes will learn the skills necessary to be successful in an environment with consistent coaching.
- Develop Situational Analysis Skills
- Through “game-like” practices and input from their coach, all of our athletes will benefit by learning the visual cues and patterns associated with proactive volleyball.
Studies show that individuals participating in sports are more likely to maintain better grades, exhibit self-confidence, and make the right decision more than individuals who do not participate. Through the playing of successful volleyball, the athletes develop confidence in their game and subsequently in themselves to conquer adverse situations.
By participating in Junior Olympic volleyball, each athlete gains insight to their own game and an increase in performance of fundamental skills, knowledge of advanced offensive and defensive systems, and the self-confidence to face challenging situations. This comes at a reasonable cost, $500 to $2000 less than other Chesapeake region organizations.
Why Choose Blue?
Since the club’s creation in 2000, Wild Blue maintains the same core purpose, to serve the surrounding community and its athletes looking to start or continue their volleyball experience outside of middle and high school. To remain in-line with this purpose, we have formulated a list of requirements that are imperative for any good club experience.
- Provide Quality At A Reasonable Cost: We charge just enough to cover our expenses. Wild Blue uses nearly all of the club dues to pay for court rental time at several facilities, tournament entry fees, uniforms, duffle bags, and practice equipment. We do not pay our coaches exorbitant amounts to coach; our staff coaches out of the love for the game and the joy of watching an athlete improve their skills.
- Provide Technical Instruction: During practice, we focus on individual and team improvement, and we strive to provide the best quality for every family in our program. We train athletes through practice and competition, in a constructive and positive atmosphere. Through focused development, athletes are prepared to compete at the highest, obtainable level and improve their skills.
- Maintain High Expectations: At Wild Blue, we have high expectations for everybody in our family. Each season begins by setting difficult yet realistic GOALS for each player, each team, and the club. We have no choice but to develop quality athletes as we compete with other regional and national clubs. Each week we near these goals with positive feedback and reinforcement creating an environment of excellence!
- Discipline, Persistence, and Determination: Girls that play for Wild Blue enjoy success both on and off the court through hard work. They understand that anything worthwhile in life requires hard work and determination and that life is multi-dimensional. The competitive athletic experience can enhance social development, contribute to mental and physical health, and teach the values of self-respect, teamwork, responsibility, self-discipline, and self-motivation. Our coaching philosophy teaches self-pride, teamwork, commitment, responsibility and discipline. The growth and development of the individual as a member of society is just as important as the progress of the athlete on the court.
- Seize Opportunities: It is the player’s opportunity to learn and improve by attending practices, working hard and excelling in the role that is asked of her. Wild Blue also assists those athletes interested in pursuing volleyball at the collegiate level with top-notch instruction and NCAA coaches that know and recruit for NCAA teams. With a focus on TEAM, each player and their family is asked to commit their time, energy, and effort to help the TEAM succeed. As coaches, we pledge to provide the best learning opportunities possible by being at all practices. At no time will Wild Blue place its athletes at a practice without a highly qualified head coach capable of instructing all aspects of the game. Our teams practice between 40 and 50 times per season on average and we promise to make every one count.
- Develop Individuals for Life Outside Volleyball: Today, more than ever, college acceptance and future success in life are based on extra-curricular activities, time management and social skills. It has been shown through several major university studies that students participating in athletics are more likely to maintain higher grades, get accepted to college, and be successful while managing their time. While we cannot guarantee an athletic scholarship or even a collegiate career, we can promise that your daughter will receive the best training and coaches available in the region for significantly less than other clubs using the same technique. At Wild Blue, we believe that we can assist an individual in becoming a responsible student and member of society while providing the opportunity to play competitive volleyball and socialize with their peers.
