Volleying for serve and fun on the court
Published 3:00 pm Monday, January 20, 2025
- Marissa Lanier focuses as she executes her serve. (Photo by Titus Mohler)
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(A photo gallery follows the story below. Photos by Titus Mohler.)
Youth from across Western Tidewater gathered regularly in Franklin this past fall to participate in the fourth annual Volleyball League that was brought to the communities in the area via a partnership between the Franklin Department of Parks and Recreation (FDPR) and Camp25.
As noted on its website, Camp25 is a nonprofit organization that provides camp opportunities for children.
Camp25 Founder and Executive Director Eric Benton noted that 93 children participated in the Volleyball League’s 2024 season, and the participants came from Franklin, Suffolk, Windsor and Southampton County.
FDPR Director Sammara Green said, “We had a fantastic volleyball season thanks to a great partnership between Parks and Recreation and Camp25! Huge thanks to our P&R Recreation Supervisor Clay Hyatt, P&R Athletic Specialist Tory Myrick and Camp25 Executive Director Mr. Eric Benton for their hard work and support.”
Green said special appreciation went to Franklin City Public Schools (FCPS) Assistant Superintendent of Operations Dr. Clint Walters for helping league organizers secure FCPS facilities for practices and matches.
Matches were played on Sundays at the J.P. King Jr. Career and Technical Academy gymnasium in Franklin, and the season ran from Oct. 22-Dec. 15.
“And of course, a big shoutout to all the coaches, players, volunteers and parents — you made this 2024 season a success,” Green said. “We can’t wait for next year’s league!”
Benton noted that the fourth annual Volleyball League featured two age divisions. Three teams competed in the Rookie Division that included volleyballers ages 6-9, and nine teams competed in the Junior Division that included participants ages 10-15.
The team emerging as the champion of the Rookie Division was the Blue Devils, and the team known as Franklin Parks & Recreation won the championship in the Junior Division.
“The 2024 FDPR/Camp25 Volleyball League was a huge success,” Benton said. “Each Sunday was fun-filled and had a great atmosphere.”
E’Milya Evans
Cali Rogers sends the ball during a warmup period between matches.
Greenlee Joyner
Kinsley Talbolt
Brylee Joyner smiles while lining up her serve.
Kendall Marshall
Emma Cox braces the ball as she prepares to put it back in play.
Ava Howard surveys where she would like to send the ball.
Harvest Barnes
Adelyn Bradshaw
Laine Arrington reacts excitedly while tossing the volleyball up for her serve.
Teams show sportsmanship after a match.
Caroline Holt
Baylee Magette
Carolina Slaba
Austin Busch goes airborne as he volleys the ball.
Caroline Jennings
E’Milya Evans
Marissa Lanier
Emmalee Smith
Genevieve Busch
Emilee Hoyt practices ahead of a match on Championship Day of the 2024 FDPR/Camp25 Volleyball League.
Lauryn Bailey participates in a drill for preparatory purposes on Championship Day.
Elena Flores
Bryson DeLugo executes a dig while preparing for a match.
Audrey Butler
Camille Lopez
FDPR/Camp25 Volleyball League action ensues at the J.P. King Jr. Career and Technical Academy gymnasium.
A table full of trophies signals that Championship Day of the Volleyball League has arrived.
