INFERNO Origins

“They” always say, “Be careful what you wish for!”

Coach Michele was always asking Coach B to cut back on his volleyball so they could have more family time. He played indoor and outdoor ball two times a week, plus tournaments on the weekends during the Gateway season.  He had mentioned a few times that he would be interested in coaching, so when the opportunity arose to assistant coach with Coach Kevin on Rachael & Riley’s QAS CYC team, and later be head coach of Ethan’s QAS CYC team, he jumped at the chance.

While looking for tryouts for our daughters, we found a tryout that had been cancelled. When calling to inquire, it was found that the team was in need of a coach.  Coach B and Coach Michele volunteered to coach the 11s team and we prepared for tryouts.

Due to the fact that the tryout was cancelled and then rescheduled, the 11s tryout for the team took place the week following commitment night. In essence, all the girls that came to tryout, had either not been asked to play on another team, or had opted to wait and see if they would get an offer to play on Coach B’s team. Sixteen girls, of various sizes and skill levels, showed up for our tryouts.  At the end of the night, it was decided that we would give all the girls the opportunity to play and we would coach 2 11s teams. Coach B asked Coach Kevin and Coach Jen if they would be willing to coach too, because without them, we would not be able to give all the girls the chance to play.

The season was full of fun and excitement. In addition to regular season tournaments, the teams hosted 2 tournaments of their own, played in a tournament with boys, and played up in a 13s tournament where they medaled.  They participated in fun team building activities, family dinners after away tournaments and had a blowout end of the season swim party with all the families participating. Our motto was always: “Play hard, stay focused, have fun!” and the girls, coaches and families helped achieve that essence throughout the season.

The season closed with a GOLD medal in the Silver Division at the Gateway Regionals. Once reaching the Silver bracket, the girls didn’t lose a match the entire day.  The momentum had built, and high from the victory, we decided to establish a new club, CLUB INFERNO, with the four coaches at the helm.  Our goal was simple, teach the girls the fundamentals of volleyball, build on the strengths of each girl, instill Coach B’s love and enthusiasm of the game, be competitive, and give each girl a chance to become their very best.

Although the season ended with that team, it was just the beginning for the INFERNO coaches and their families. Hours of planning, organizing and web development went into establishing Club INFERNO. The coaches decided to include a 12s and a 13s team so that both teams could be competitive and compete at their highest possible level including Nationals.

Coach Michele got her wish. Coach B doesn’t play as much volleyball. Instead, he coaches 3 teams and directs a Club that has grown to 7 teams. He still finds time to squeeze in some adult volleyball, although, he doesn’t get in nearly the playing time he used to. Now, as a family we spend many week nights and weekends together doing what we all love.

Are you looking for some family time?

Play volleyball with Club INFERNO!