Fall mean volleyball, and as the light fades a little earlier in the evening, we begin to plan our event.
What is the All-Star Classic, and how can I help? Find out here!
A Volleyball Night at Kiski Area
It’s been 48 Hours since the We Serve First All-Star Classic and I’ve got some closing thoughts and observations.
I LOVE this event. LOVE it! I’m so happy that two years ago Jim Joyce called me with this idea, and together we cobbled out a unique event that will continue to get better and better as it ages. What makes it so special and why do I love it so much? Let’s look back and see…
First, the obvious. The athletes. I could go through our line-up and mention every one individually, but here are a few examples of why.
All four team gather after practice on Friday.
Maria Hunter and Scarlett Hancock. Maria left practice on Friday feeling under the weather. Scarlett Hancock sprained her ankle on Thursday. I did not expect to see them on Saturday, yet Maria came bouncing into the gym and proceeded to be a blocking machine, and Scarlett came in to serve and played well across the back row for her team. Thank you for your toughness, Maria and Scarlett. You made our event better because of it!
Emmy Schrom, Ally Shepner, and Avery Koontz. These three played the maximum amount of volleyball during their high school season, yet they chose to attend our event. That could have been enough, but Emmy showed us how to fly, sending thundering kills to the floor at Kiski. I’m sure the maintenance staff had a hammer and nails out today, fixing floorboards. Ally was energetic as always, keeping her team focused as they figured things out early in the day, and leading them to the finals as the day wore on. Avery went flying past Coach Caraway and me, twenty feet off of the court in attempt to keep a ball in play, IN A PRACTICE, FOR AN ALL-STAR GAME!!! Coach Caraway looked at me and said “That’s exactly why Hampton is impossible to beat.” Well said Coach, well said. No surprise at all, each took home a post game prize. Thank you to our three WPIAL Champions for not only attending, but putting on a show for us all!
Eliah Lippincott and Alexa Albin. You two drove all the way out from Jefferson Township both Friday night and Saturday. Alexa answered the call when we lost a setter late in the process. She showed that she belonged by winning the MVP prize. I’ve watched Eliah a lot. She was one of the athletes We Serve First supported in her 2022 Club Season. She brought passion and excellence in practice and at the event! Thank you both for traveling so far to join us.
Marly Koleno and Mackenzie Haus. So many of this group surprised me with their talent! Not all of our players come from historically strong volleyball schools, yet all of them afforded themselves well during our competition. None more than Marly Koleno from Apollo Ridge. The smallish outside hitter thrived in this atmosphere, showing off a amazing jumping ability and surprising all of us with her overall game. Also worth mentioning is the defensive prowess of Valley’s Mackenzie Haus. Asked to take on some strong hitters and servers she stepped up time and time again with excellent passing and solid defense. Way to go, ladies!
Chloe Welschans. Last year, Cavalier setter Syd Joyce dumped a serve into the ball cart during our serving contest to win her friend almost $250 in gift cards. This year, Chloe’s dad won the chance to serve for the big prize. He chose his daughter to serve for one minute in an attempt to steal the bounty! In true Cavalier form, Welschans put her 8th serve down the middle and into the cart for the big prize!
I wish I could go on and mention everyone. This was certainly a special group of athletes who gave everything on the court both Friday and Saturday.
Our Coaches, Tami Caraway, Dakoda Fickes, Rachel Satira, and Michelle Dickerson, were totally in! Drafting well is one thing, but then taking those pieces and giving all of them a chance to feel like an important and valuable part of an team is not easy. Yet all of them succeeded! Well done! This only works if the coaches really care. These four great coaches sincerely do.
All the support staff at Kiski, especially AD John Petermen, his right hand woman Jenn Bowman, and the janitorial staff at the high school were quick to help with every request. The gym was completely set up when we arrived. Our many volunteers included concessions, ticketing, prize table, the kids who did the lines, and our three ball crew. Josh Schreckengost from High Tops Sports and our announcer, Mr. Swanson, our referees Mike Bruno, Moe Barr, and Joe Hardiman make this event special because they care. I’m humbled by how much help we had, and how well the entire two days went. I’m always worried as the Classic approaches, but for the second year in a row I’m giddy about how well it went! Amazing.
Our ever growing list of sponsors, led by our dear friend and presenting sponsor Dan Clair and Clair Associates Insurance. This event depends on sponsorships and would not be possible without them. Below you will find a list of our sponsors. Make sure to consider them for future business. They care about our community and it shows with how they have supported this effort. Thank you all so much!
Let’s put a bow on this. Like volleyball itself, the We Serve First All-Star Classic is here to stay! Not because it’s easy to do…
…it’s not.
But it’s so worth it.
Why? Because every once in a while, the stars align, and a purpose emerges. Seems like more often than not with our Foundation, and it happened again this weekend. One of our player’s family has a need. We will be there to help them and keep this young woman on the court for her club season this winter/spring. It’s possible because the players came to play, the volunteers decided to respond, the sponsors saw something they wanted to get behind, and the fans came out in force. Will there be more All-Star events? You bet, because the game continues to grow, and the need is more than ever.
Thank you all for making our event something special, so much fun, and something Jim and I plan on doing for a long time! Happy Holidays to all!
2023 We Serve First All-Star Classic-Introducing the Players and Coaches!
What do you get when you put 23 Section All-Stars and 10 WPIAL All-Stars in one gym? Fantasy Volleyball, that’s what you get! Bring in four coaches who had outstanding seasons and let them assemble their very own “dream teams”. Play out a fast, fun, fan friendly format and you have the We Serve First All-Star Classic!
These fine athletes will report to the gym on December 1st for a lowkey practice and scrimmage run by P3R Club Coach Neal Brown that will allow our coaches, Dakoda Fickes, from Kiski Area, Michelle Dickerson, from Highlands, Tami Caraway from Mars, and Rachel Satira, from Plum, a chance to watch and rate each player. Then it’s off to the draft room while the players enjoy a get to know you pizza party! Once the teams are selected uniforms will be passed out, team pictures will be taken and everyone will head home to rest!
Last year’s Champions, Blue, Lead by Tom Phillips
Saturday the athletes will arrive back at the gym somewhere around 3:00 to warm up and meet up with their respective coaches. Introductions will start at 3:30 and play will be underway by 4:00. Each team will play one and other in a round robin format, one game to 21. Once the brackets are made the first round will be one game to 25, and the championship will be best of three to 21, with the deciding game played to 15(if needed).
Sounds like fun, right? Well that’s just the beginning! There will be gift baskets to win, a brand new 50/50 format to “bet on”, a serving contest to play, some cool sports memorabilia to bid on, and at the end of the night we’ll crown an Best Hitter, Best Setter, Best Defender, Best Teammate, and MVP. The MVP will win a custom ball cart from Sports Imports for her High School Program!
So, lets meet these impressive athletes by position.
Liberos-
Avery Koontz-Hampton(WPIAL Champion)
Sophia DiGregorio-Armstrong
Scarlett Hancock-FoxChapel
Gia Hornack-Burrell
Defensive Specialists
Mackenzie Haus-Valley
Jaden Benko-Highlands
Emma Peck-Kiski Area
Setters
Halie Walmsley-Valley
Giavonna Spagnola-Leechburg
Jocelyn Emrock-Apollo-Ridge
Brynne Smith-Knoch
Isabella Savko-Springdale
Kate Joyce-Plum
Alexa Albin-Thomas Jefferson
Grace Beach-Freeport(WPIAL and PIAA Champion 2022)
Middle Hitters
Maria Hunter-Plum
Kali Allensworth-Armstrong
Josie Russo-Freeport(WPIAL and PIAA Champion 2022)
Autmn English-Freeport(WPIAL and PIAA Champion 2022)
Eliah Lippincott-Thomas Jefferson
Ciara Olexa-Deer Lakes
Addy Rusek-Burrell
Allison Shepner-Hampton(WPIAL Champion 2023)
Outsides/Opposites
Jessica Staraniec-Valley
Marly Koleno-Apollo Ridge
Sierra Mock-Knoch
Ava Biagi-Springdale
Brooke Signorella-Highlands
Emmy Schrom- Hampton(WPIAL Champion 2023)
Chloe Welschans-Kiski Area
Sydney Selker-Freeport(WPIAL and PIAA Champions 2022)
Brooke Dineff-Deer Lakes
Bella Greenwald-Burrell
Maggie Brewer-West Shamokin
Hailey Depkon-Plum
Isabella Delia-Kiski Area
The Reviews are in! The Classic is a hit!
The planning is well underway for The 2nd Annual We Serve First All-Star Classic, presented (again!) by Clair Associates Insurance. We hope to do it even better this year, with a great group of coaches, the top athletes, and a streamlined format to keep fans engaged for each match! Before we roll out the exciting news about who is joining us on December 2nd, let’s take a quick look back at what we did right last year from the eyes of our coaches and athletes that participated.
Freeport coach Tom Phillips was impressed…
“Let me start by saying that I had a wonderful and memorable experience with my time during the We Serve First event. I think it was a super experience for all the players and the format was well thought out and very competitive. I had the great pleasure of coaching some players and getting to know them on a different level. The draft was a lot of fun for me as a coach because I did a rating system on all players available…maybe a bit much for a fun event, but my ideology is always if they are keeping score we want to win. I had such a marvelous group of players and the event was a fun filled day for all involved. Getting to coach players that I only saw on the other side of the net made it special. To this day I have a Special bond with players on my Blue team. I want to Thank Tim and Jim for such an experience and I can’t wait to see the next one. Thank you so much for allowing me to be part of this wonderful event.”
Franklin Regional coach Rachel Carter agrees…
“My experience as a Coach at the All Star Classic was a full circle moment for me. I played volleyball at Kiski from middle school through high school and was coached by many incredible coaches including Ellen Toy, Jamie Vick (Moran), Jodie McCartney and Dan Clair. Each and every coach impacted my life and volleyball career in many ways and I am forever grateful for that. The We Serve First foundation holds a special place in my heart and the mission and vision that Tim and Ellen had for this foundation has truly come to life and done so much for our volleyball community.
When Tim asked me to be a coach for this event, I was incredibly honored to have the opportunity. Being in a gym full of so many talented athletes that I have seen or coached during high school and club volleyball was such a cool experience. Drafting players and building my team was so much fun and I enjoyed having the opportunity to coach players from different schools. The gym was full of energy and good people from the court to the stands and if you missed it last year, I can’t recommend enough that you come out to the Classic this year! “
The athletes who participated also enjoyed the experience…
Last year’s MVP, Armstrong’s Cassidy Adams will always have a special memory of the Classic…
“The All-Star classic was a great experience getting to play with/being coached by people I would of normally played against. It was so much fun and competitive. Earning MVP at this event is something I will remember and cherish forever. If given the chance I would definitely attend this event!”
Burrell’s Avery Bain was grateful for the opportunity…
“Participating in The We Serve First All-Star Classic was one of the best experiences! It allowed me to meet, play with, and be coached by some of the best players and coaches in the WPIAL. The We Serve First Organization is so inspirational and I couldn’t have been more thankful to be a part of it.”
Last year’s “Teammate Award” Winner Addison Gindlesperger from Hampton wanted to end her career on a high note. She says the Classic gave her that chance…
“Being chosen and able to play for We Serve First was the best volleyball experience of my life. I was able to play with people I used to play against and the atmosphere was amazing. Everyone was there to have fun and it was an experience I will never forget. I am so happy I was able to participate in this event. I knew it was the last time I was going to be playing, so I went into it with a positive attitude, and everyone else did the same. The coaches were amazing and that was the most fun I’ve ever had playing volleyball. I am so excited to see this program grow and that it is continuing on!”
Franklin Regional’s Ella Evans enjoyed having new teammates while playing against some of her old Franklin girls…
“I loved the All Star Classic. I had so much fun throughout the whole process. I got to meet a lot of new people and get closer with girls from other teams. It was fun getting to compete against some of your own friends and teammates! I was so happy to be a part of this experience and it was for such a good cause!”
Freeport’s Cassidy Dell loved the attitude surrounding the event…
“The All-Star Classic was an amazing experience. I loved being able to get to know, and play with girls from schools all around. It was a great way to end my high school volleyball career. Everyone at the All- Star Classic was super nice. This was a great thing to be apart of and an amazing cause to support.”
Knoch’s Alyssa Gallagher felt a connection to the cause…
“The All-Star Match was so much fun! It was awesome to get to play with girls I’ve been playing against throughout my volleyball career. It was a great experience for a good cause.”
Lastly, Kiski Area’s Sydney Joyce like the balance between enjoyment and competition and the feeling of togetherness…
“Having the opportunity to play in the We Serve First All Star game last winter was definitely a highlight of my volleyball career. It was amazing to see the local volleyball community all together in the same gym. My favorite part was getting the chance to meet the other players, who I’ve spent years playing against, but never got the chance to get to know personally. The event was both fun and competitive. It put into perspective how big volleyball is to our community and how great the people of the community are.”
We hope that you’ll join us on December 2nd for The 2nd Annual We Serve First All-Star Classic. Take it from these All-Stars. You don’t want to miss it! More to come soon, as we release the names of this year’s crop of coaches and players, and maybe even a couple surprises!
This is my friend, Volleyball.
Pack the Park 3 has now come and gone, so I’ve got some final thoughts on it, what we have done well, what we can work on, and the direction we take moving forward. But first, let me thank a bunch of people, without whom, none of this would be possible.
Let’s start close to home.
My wife Audrey, who walked into this mess unaware that this would be an ongoing theme. Her willingness to not only attend these events, but put herself out front, hawking tee-shirts and raffle tickets, makes me love her all the more. I hope that she continues to see the good we can do, and in time that makes it easier. I know it’s not, and that’s why, to me it is so loving and impressive.
The staff in the Athletic Office at Kiski Area, John Petermen, his assistant Jen Bowman, John’s wife Gloria, and the janitorial staff who’s hard work “builds” the stadium atmosphere you see in pictures and when you attend. Amazing work, one and all!
Vandergrift Borough, Mayor Lenny Collini, Council members Daisha Clayton, JJ Uskuraitis, Marilee Kessler, Christine Wilson, and the borough crew, who mowed the park, set up the bleachers, and place the garbage cans. The park was beautiful last night! Local government is a thankless job. Most days I’m sure it’s a headache. Today you all deserve massive praise!
The coaching staffs.
New Kiski Area Head Coach Dakoda Fickes, who very obviously has the attention of the young athletes in his charge. They played inspired volleyball last night and I can’t wait to see how they progress as the season moves forward.
Former Head Coach, and now assistant Jodie McCartney. We have been through so much together. Having you and your wonderful family lead the way has taught me so much. You continue to be a treasured friend. I love you!
Norwin Head Coach Mary Ellen Ferragonio. You are the kind of friend that ignites a room and always makes it better with your presence. I’m so glad Pack the Park includes you and your team. It just makes so much sense on so many levels. See you again, next year, and yes, we will be switching sides from now on!
To the players from both teams, who take on risks that might not be present inside the gym. You come here, play hard, deal with the sun, the heat, the grass, and you smile, win or lose.(okay, winning is better) You are the reason we do this. In you, I see little glimpses of Ellen, her playful spirit and her competitive drive. This foundation and the events it sponsors will always focus on you, elevating you, promoting you, and giving you safe and fun places to compete. Thank you for giving your all last night!
High Tops Sports Network, Deacon Blues Photography, and Tribune Review Reporter Mike Love. Commitment to high school athletics is a labor of love. You don’t do it to make money. Like our foundation, you do it because it elevates the subject. The rush you might get from doing a good job isn’t easy to monetize, but you do it anyway. Because it’s good, it’s right, and it brings joy to others. Thank you for covering We Serve First so thoroughly and so kindly.
My family, Ellen’s family, and my friends, old and new, near and far who came out in force to support…
I cannot express how much it means. Having you all there to witness this magic, soak it all in, and help out in whatever way you did is inspirational. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!
Lastly, the fans who show up, at the Park, at the gym, and way back when we were the Fluorescent Angels. You make me want to keep going. I hope it’s as fun for you as it is for me. Always feel free to ask questions, and give input. I’ll listen to all suggestions! As long as you’ll keep showing up, we will keep Packing that Park!
Why?
To me, this is a lot like introducing one friend to another. You know they feel the same way about things, but still you get nervous. Maybe they won’t like each other…
This is my friend, Volleyball.
Volleyball has given me so much. Lessons I use daily. Resilience in tough times. A sense of presence I didn’t have before I knew her/him. A chance to see the wide range of emotions, from elation to frustration, from joy to sorrow, from winning, and from loss. Volleyball is one of my favorite friends. I hope you find Her/Him as enjoyable and engaging as I do.
What’s next?
The Second Annual We Serve First All-Star Classic. December 2nd, 2023, at Kiski Area HS. Featuring the best 44 players from the class of 2024 in the Kiski Valley. Hope you’ll join us then.
I’ll bring my friend, volleyball. What a time we’ll have.
We Serve First All-Star Classic Schedule of Events
Things are coming to a head here at We Serve First Headquarters! With a very busy couple of days ahead, I think it’s time that we fill you all in on the schedule of events. First, the location… Kiski Area High School, Hyde Park Road, Leechburg, PA 15656
Once you get to the high school, the gym is in the back of the campus. Look for the light standards for the football stadium. Park in the area near the tennis courts. By that time on a Friday night, we should have the facility to ourselves.
Let’s start with Friday.
draft board
All participants should arrive at the high school gym(main gym) by 5:45pm. Practice shirts will be handed out along with presold tee-shirts and tickets. Our athletes will then be guided through a light workout by Hampton Head Coach Dakota Fickes and Kiski Asst. Coach Robin Joyce. Our team coaches, Rachel Carter(purple), Meghan Lucas(gold), Eve Hebrank(orange) and Tom Phillips(royal) will use this time to assess the players and prepare for the draft. At 7:45, the players will break for a pizza party while our coaches head to the draft room to select their teams. We will announce the team rosters and give the coaches a chance to work out their line-ups before heading home for the night.
Pool schedule
Saturday the doors open at 3:00(tickets are $5 for Adults and $3 for students) and the plan is to have introductions and pre-event announcements at 3:30. Pool play will start shortly thereafter. We’ll play 2-15 point games, with all teams playing each other once, then seed the teams in brackets to determine a champion!
Between pool play and playoffs, we’ll take a short break to get a bite to eat, draw the winners of our gift baskets and 50/50, and have a fun serving contest. Then it’s back to the action!
First round of the playoffs will be one game to 25, and the championship match will be best of three, first two games to 25, third game, if needed will be to 15…
Pool Play
After this we will have an awards presentation, with best defensive player, best setter, best hitter, and MVP(as judged by a panel of coaches) along with the Teammate Award, voted on by the players.
It is our hope that we can present a first class event that volleyball players and their families will enjoy this year, and future senior athletes will want to be a part of for years to come. We can’t wait to see you all on Saturday, whether you are in a game jersey, or in an ugly Christmas sweater!
#choosetoserve
Brackets!
Our Presenting Sponsor, Clair Associates Insurance!
Sometimes it’s just this simple.
One of my favorite images. (provided courtesy of Eli Lilly)
A text to get the particulars about our event… Next thing you know, we have a Presenting Sponsor. Not just any, presenting sponsor, THE PRESENTING SPONSOR. Dan Clair has been a part of our story for so long. While I searched through all the “big” companies, sporting goods companies, super markets, banks… The real BIG company was right under my nose. Dan has been the source of support in the most difficult of times. We have celebrated great wins, and literally mourned the big losses. I am so proud to announce today that Clair Associates Insurance will be the Presenting Sponsor of the We Serve First All-Star Classic! Thank you To Dan and his team for always being involved, not only with us, but with the entire Kiski Valley community!
“I was very fortunate to have been coached by and coached with Ellen Toy. I consider it an honor to be a part of anything that is associated with her and her legacy. The work that Tim Toy and the We Serve First Foundation does is important and sets a great example of the good that can come from high school sports. It gives kids who might otherwise not have the opportunity the chance to experience all that the sport of volleyball has to offer. At Clair Associates Insurance we also strive to serve our communities and are glad that we can be a part of this unique and exciting event!
Dan Clair, Clair Associates, on why it was important to him to be involved with the We Serve First All-Star Classic.
Introducing the Coaches!
On December 10th, thirty six seniors will gather at Kiski Area High School for the first ever We Serve First All-Star Classic. Joining them will be four of the Kiski Valley’s finest coaches. These coaches have a combined 60 years of experience, eight WPIAL titles and two PIAA titles between them. Before they meet on the hardwood at Kiski their skills will be tested in a different way, as they’ll be tasked with selecting their teams via an Athlete’s Unlimited style draft, held after a short practice on December 9th. Adding the draft to our event makes the Classic unique, and we hope exciting for both the players and the coaches.
Joining us December 9th and 10th will be…
Meghan Lucas-Butler High School
Meghan has been coaching volleyball for over 27 years. She is a graduate of Kiski Area HS and received her Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Elementary Education and Curriculum and Instruction from Clarion University, where she was also a four year starter on the women's volleyball team. Meghan was immediately hired at her Alma Mater as a teacher and head volleyball coach in 1995. After their move to Butler, she and her husband, Dr. Craig Lucas, began a family, but Meghan continued to coach even though taking a break from teaching to stay home with their children. In 2001, she started coaching for the Butler Middle School boys, eventually taking over the reigns as the Girls' Varsity Coach. Meghan has been involved with club volleyball since her playing days. Golden Triangle, TVC, P3R, Renaissance, and most recently, Revolution Volleyball Club have been the clubs she's coached at, taking teams to Nationals all over the country multiple years and at various age divisions. In 2013 she was inducted into the Kiski Area Sports Hall of Fame. She received coach of the year for section 1 in 2016. In 2017, she led her team to the playoffs for the first time in ten years, competing in the always tough AAAA section 1. She also led her team to the playoffs this past season, losing to Penn Trafford in the first round. She is currently a fourth grade teacher at Broad St. Elementary School, heavily involved in several community service organizations, and clinician for many camps and clinics. She most enjoys watching her own children compete. Isaiah (23), Maria (22) senior vb player at Slippery Rock University, Gabrielle (21), junior vb player at Grove City College, Sophia (19), sophomore vb player at Clarion University, and Sarah (16), sophomore vb player, jav thrower, and cello extraordinaire at Butler High School. She and her husband, Craig, reside in Butler, PA.
Best Advice over all the years of coaching .....
I'm not sure of an exact quote from a specific coach that sticks with me, but I have had so many mentors over the years that have helped to shape me into the coach I am today. I appreciate people like Greg Foreman, Sheron Watson, Rick Schall, Ellen Toy, Jodi Burns, Laurie Lokash, Bob, Heidi, Brian Miller, Rick Watkins and Mike Hogan. They each had nuggets of good that I take with me on my own coaching journey of close to 30 years.
I've had a motto for many years that I live by. "Work hard and good things will happen." I live this, I teach this, and I hope this for all of my students and players. It hangs in my classroom above every classroom I've taught in. The good may not always come when we want it to, it may take a day, a week, a year, or many many years... but I am certain that it will always happen.
My connection with We Serve First came directly with my relationships with the Vick and Toy families. Jaime and Jodie were both former players of mine when I coached at Kiski. Tim and Ellen's son, Mason, was a 4th grade student of mine and Dorothy Toncini's at Vandergrift Elementary. I've known Tim at Tees and Tops since my coaching days at Kiski... and I've always known Ellen to be not only one of the best coaches, but human beings as well. Her grace, determination, and humbleness are the things I remember most of her. I'm so proud of Tim and the growth of the Foundation, and I've helped to find recipients of We Serve First scholarships throughout my club coaching days.
Rachel Carter-Franklin Regional High School
Current position- Head Coach at Franklin Regional
Years there- 2 years (2021 and 2022 season)
Playoff appearances- 2 playoff appearances (2021 and 2022)
Titles won(section champs, WPIAL champs, State Champs)- 2021 Section Champs
Best coaching advice received or quote about coaching: I have been coaching for about 5 years now and I’ve learned a lot from all of my teams and experiences. The biggest lesson that I have learned so far is to be myself. I have had so many coaches who have coached me that have shared their stories, built relationships with me and related to me in so many ways. I strive to do that with my teams and build that trusting coach/player relationship. I was once a player in their shoes and can easily relate.
Connection to the foundation and/or Ellen:
I went to Kiski area high school and Ellen was my volleyball coach in highschool. Ellen introduced me to club volleyball (Westmoreland Elite) and was the first person that believed in me and told me that I could play volleyball in college. I got recruited to play volleyball at Penn State Behrend and ranked first in kills my junior and senior year as a right side hitter. I truly have her to thank for my success as a volleyball player and coach. There is not a day that goes by when I don’t think of her or think about what she would say or do in a coaching situation. She truly was such an inspirational, loving, and caring coach. The We Serve First Foundation is near and dear to me given my relationship with Ellen, Tim and the Toy family. It is such an incredible foundation that gives back to players in our community and I love seeing it continue to grow!
Tom Phillips-Freeport High School
Tom has coached at Freeport Area Middle and High School for 22 years. His high school teams have accumulated 18 straight section titles, 7 WPIAL championships(edited from 6, congrats Freeport on adding another just last night!), 4 WPIAL runner up honors and 1 State Championship in 2017.
Tom's favorite quote reads: Success isn't just about what you accomplish in your life, it's about what you INSPIRE others to do.
Ironically, this very quote is most applicable when the name, Ellen Toy is spoken or thought of. Tom had the pleasure of coaching against Ellen when she was coaching at Leechburg. He is grateful for getting to know her and witnessing the true inspiration that Ellen was. She lives on in the many lives that she touched.
Tom is so honored to be a part of the celebration of such a wonderful sport and the inaugural WE SERVE FIRST ALL-STAR CLASSIC. Thank you!!
Eve Hebrank-Leechburg High School
Eve has been at the helm of the Leechburg Blue Devils varsity volleyball program since fall 2016. Not only is she the varsity head coach, but she also serves as the junior high volleyball head coach, a role that she’s held since spring 2014. In her seven seasons as head coach, the Blue Devils have made six consecutive playoff appearances in Class A.
The Blue Devils sparked a fire in 2020 after winning their first round playoff game vs West Greene, ending a drought of early playoff exits. In 2021, the Blue Devils had their best season to date including a section championship (the first ever for the program), and a playoff run all the way to the semi-finals as the 4th seed in Class A—all record breaking runs for the program’s 30 year history.
Eve’s dedication and love for volleyball started with Ellen Toy. She had the pleasure of playing for Toy from spring 2003 to fall 2007 and was a student of Toy’s at Leechburg. Toy was also there at the start of Eve’s reentry into Blue Devils volleyball as a junior high coach, giving the simple advice of “enjoy this level and just pass, pass, pass.” Each spring, Eve assists with Leechburg student council’s “Kings of the Court” event in which all proceeds go to the We Serve First Foundation.
Favorite quote: “No volleyball play can begin without a serve, and the serve is the only technique that is totally under your control. In other endeavors, you cannot succeed without believing in yourself, and that belief is completely under your control.” - Karch Kiraly
We are really excited to watch these four outstanding coaches test their skills at evaluating, coordinating, and selecting from the 36 athletes that will be available to them at the We Serve First All-Star Classic. Next up, we will reveal those athletes. Stay tuned. Much more to come!
Press Release/We Serve First All-Star Classic
Local Foundation to Host All-Star Volleyball Game
Original We Serve First Athletes, Courtney, Rachel, and Clair.
“Flip a Coin, Choose to Serve” ~ Ellen Toy
VANDERGRIFT, PA – The We Serve First Foundation will host the inaugural We Serve First
All-Star Classic on Saturday, Saturday, December 10, 2022 at the Kiski Area High School
Gymnasium. This volleyball all-star game will highlight the skills of 38 high school seniors who
play volleyball at 19 Alle-Kiski area schools. Proceeds raised from the event will go to support
The We Serve First Foundation.
Doors open at 3:00 p.m., with player/coach introductions at 3:30 p.m., and the first round games
starting at 4:15 p.m. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for students, and children under 5 are free.
Tickets can be pre-purchased by calling 724-493-5945. Tickets will also be sold at the door the
day of the event.
In 2015 Ellen Toy, longtime high school and club volleyball coach in Western Pennsylvania,
realizing that her six-year battle with gastric cancer was coming to a close, established the We
Serve First Foundation to support high school volleyball players by providing them scholarships
to participate on club volleyball teams and in volleyball camps.
Tim Toy, Ellen’s husband and Executive Director of the We Serve First Foundation states, “The
We Serve First Foundation seeks out young athletes with financial burdens, regardless of their
age or skill level, and helps them find a love for competition in a team sport. This helps these
young people develop valuable skills necessary to compete not only in sports, but also in life. I
know how proud Ellen would be of how well this has worked, and in all the athletes it has served
up to now.”
The format of this event is what will make it unique and fun for players and coaches alike. On Friday, December 9th, the coaches and players will meet for a practice at the Kiski Area gym. Afterwards, while the players enjoy a pizza party, the four coaches, Meghan Lucas from Butler, Eve Hebrank from Leechburg, Rachel Carter from Franklin Regional, and Tom Phillips from Freeport, will “draft” their teams just like Athlete’s Unlimited does, with a snake draft. After the draft the coaches will reveal their teams and meet for a short strategy/walk through practice.
On Saturday December 10th the teams will play a round robin format, playing 2-15 point games to seed the teams. The two with the best records will play for the title and the other two teams will play in a consolation match. The Championship will be a best of three to 25.
Most importantly, the teams will have a chance to interact with new teammates, play against old ones, and just have fun with the best sport in the world, VOLLEYBALL!
Along with this fun evening, we hope to raise some funds for the We Serve First Foundation so we can continue our mission to “serve” the volleyball community here in Western PA and beyond!
Please consider joining us for a few hours Saturday night, December 10th for the First Annual We Serve First All-Star Classic!
The “California Crew” meets before leaving for Anaheim and Give it Back Camp in 2019.
For more information, please contact Tim Toy by phone at 724-493-5945 or by email at
weserve1st@gmail.com.
Athlete's Unlimited's Erin Fairs chooses We Serve First as her Athlete's Cause
Athletes Unlimited star Erin Fairs
Athletes Unlimited, the only Professional Volleyball League for women in the United States, is currently in it’s fourth week of competition. Season two of AU Volleyball has been ridiculously entertaining and competitive so far. We Serve First has taken special notice. Erin Fairs has chosen the foundation as her Athletes Causes organization, and 1/2 of her yearly bonus will be donated directly to our foundation to further our mission. Fairs (a former Louisville star) is sitting solidly in ninth place on the leaderboard, and looks to move up further with her effort in this week’s matches.
Erin has graciously allowed us to try out a new method of “Fun”draising. The idea is to get as many fans to engage with this league, cheer for Erin, and help more young women get into club volleyball despite financial challenges. So here is the plan, and here is where you come in…
Fans can commit to donating 25 cents for each point Erin scores in Saturday’s match (04-09-22). Erin’s last effort (112 points) would have brought in $38 for the We Serve First Foundation. Erin is a six rotation outside hitter, so she has been scoring in a variety of ways. For this fundraiser it will be helpful to understand the scoring system this unique league employs to crown a champion!
Serving: Ace + 12, Error -8
A serve is the first contact that starts every rally. Servers receive points for an ace. An ace (+12) is a serve which lands in the opponent’s court without being touched or is unable to be kept in play by the receiving team.
A service error (-8) is charged if: The serve hits or does not go over the net; The serve goes out-of-bounds; or The server is called for a foot. A foot violation is when the server touches the court outside the service zone.
Attack: Kill + 8, Error -12
An attack is any offensive action that sends the ball over the net to the opposing team that attempts to terminate the play. A kill (+8) is awarded when an attack is unable to be returned or uncontrolled by the opponent, leading to a point scored.
An attack error (-12) occurs when: the ball is hit out of bounds; the ball is hit into the net; a net or center line violation; or illegal contact during an attack attempt.
Set: Assist + 1, Error -12
An assist occurs when a player passes or sets the ball to a teammate who attacked the ball for a kill. An error (-12) occurs when a player commits a ball-handling error, which includes a double hit, which is when a player touches the ball twice or both hands touch the ball individually, and a lifted ball, which is prolonged contact with the ball.
Dig: Dig + 5, No Errors
A dig (+5) is the first contact made after a ball is sent over to the defensive team on an attack. This is a defensive movement made to prevent the ball from hitting the ground.
Pass: Good pass + 2, Error -12
A pass (+2) is the first contact after a serve. An error (-12) occurs when the receiving player is unable to make contact to return the ball or passes the ball out of bounds.
A pass that leads to a kill is known as an assist (+1).
Block: Stuff + 12, No Errors
A stuff block (+12) occurs when a defensive player at the net blocks an attack and the rally terminates with the ball on the attacker’s side of the court, resulting in a point for the blocker’s team.
Here is a handy video that helps explain.
Saturday’s match will start at 5:00pm EST and can be viewed on Athletes Unlimited’s YouTube Channel, which can be found here. After the match, those who have committed to matching Erin’s effort with a donation can do so by following this link. Just go to the “custom donation” tab and enter the amount earned when Erin helps demolish Team Sheilla!!!
So let’s have a little fun with this, give Erin a little boost as we cheer her on, and help athletes get advanced training in volleyball during a financial struggle. Will you “ace” this effort as you #choosetoserve ?
Pack the Park
Vandergrift’s Kennedy Park, home of the Ellen Toy Grass Court and the location of the first outdoor high School match, Kiski Area vs Norwin. Pack the Park, September 13th.
Now that the grass court is built, we feel like it’s time to put her to good use. If you’ve been around this story for a while, you’ll remember our Jam the Gym Event. We held five Jam the Gym’s and they were pretty popular. They helped us raise some money for a variety of local charities, including the Jaime Vick-Moran Scholarship, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, and The Mario Lemieux Foundation. Now I’d like to introduce you to Pack the Park, Jam the Gym’s outdoorsy little sister.
We all know that outdoor activities have proven to be far safer, so why not gather on the grass?
On September 13th, Norwin will travel to Vandergrift to face our own Kiski Area Cavaliers on the Ellen Toy Grass Court at Kennedy Park. Food Trucks will be there so you can grab a bite to eat. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets, seating will be limited. Come check out the new court! It’s going to be a very competitive match!
More details to come…
The Ellen Toy Grass Court at Kennedy Park
This club volleyball season was difficult to navigate for everyone involved. Despite this, We Serve First found a number of athletes in need of financial support and made sure that they had what they needed to get through this difficult year. We also wanted to supply a few local high school and college programs with equipment; Kiski Area, Leechburg, and St. Vincent received coaches hitting boxes to help train their athletes. It is our hope that these boxes will remain an important tool in these gyms for years to come.
We Serve First also recognizes the need to grow the game in new and different ways. We recently obtained permission and secured a location in Kennedy Park, Vandergrift for a first class grass court. Equipment has been ordered and the final arrangements are being made to install the net standards, hang the net, secure the proper padding for the poles, and place boundary markers for the Ellen Toy Grass Court at Kennedy Park.
This court will be next to the skate park, street hockey court, and basketball courts in an area we hope will bring hours of exercise and joy to kids from our beloved hometown of Vandergrift. Our greatest wish is for someone to discover their own love for the game much in the same way Ellen did some 50 years ago.
While funding for this project will come from We Serve First, we hope that those funds will be replenished in time for next club season. If you’d like to help in any way, click this link to our GoFundMe page.
I’ll be sharing photos of the progress as the court starts to take shape.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention those who were instrumental in bringing this project to life. Vandergrift town council, JJ Uskuraitis, Lenny Collini, and especially Anthony Guerrera all played important roles. It’s often a thankless job being involved in politics in a small town, but these folks have our best interest at heart. We may not agree on everything, but we all have a passion for “service”. These fine folks always “Choose to Serve!”
AmazonSmile. Providing another great way to "Serve"
Throughout the pandemic many folks have taken to the web to order almost anything. Now when you order from Amazon, the world’s most successful online shopping platform will donate .5% on many items through their AmazonSmile program. Go ahead and get that 75” flat screen. You deserve it! Just make sure to go to AmazonSmile! You can visit our charities page by clicking here. Choose to Serve every time you shop with Amazon!
Gatorade Pennsylvania Player of the Year 2019, Abby Miller
Al Arke Award Speech, Volleyball's influence and We Serve First
State Champions, 1984 Plum Mustangs
Good evening. I want to first take the time to thank you all for this wonderful recognition. I hope that somehow, somewhere, Ellen is aware of it, because it is in her contact with her peers in this sport that she hung so much importance. This will come as no surprise to those of you who knew her. Volleyball oozed from her pores... it was one of her life's great passions.
Yet as I stand among you tonight, I can't help but feel her smile. She sits in the glory of the great beyond, while I stand in a room full of referee's...
I'm kidding of course. Ellen always was fair minded, and many times would tell me to settle down, and that you had made the right call. She in fact wore the stripes enough to know that only half the gym was going to agree with you at any given time, and that integrity was the only way.
She so enjoyed her interactions with you.
Tonight I want to tell you a story. It's about being present and what that can mean.
37 years ago a young girl walked into a gym full of girls 4, 5, and 6 years older than her. What she sought that day was a purpose. For a few months this young girls voice had gone silent. She was so confused about what her identity was, what she was supposed to do. These are challenges most 13-14 year olds face, and this one chose not to speak while she figured it out. What she found in that gym was a sport that demanded she communicate, and soon, she not only spoke again, but she thrived. This young girl found her voice again that night, and an identity she was comfortable with.
She immersed herself in the sport, and for every moment lived and breathed the lessons it taught. Volleyball was right on time...
Some of you in this room remember that young lady, because you were a part of her volleyball life. There were Schalls Millers and Reillys, Heberts, Colliers, Herbecks, Watsons and Larkos, McDowells and Jones, and later Vicks and Prusias and Clairs. Each carving out a unique patch in a beautiful volleyball tapestry. All people who, by circumstance or force, came into her life just when she needed them most.
Truth is we all know young ladies and young men just like Ellen was at that time. Without the little nudge you gave her, whether it was instruction or encouragement or even just a passing smile, you altered the course of her young life, and in turn she took to altering so many lives since then. Ellen loved coaching and teaching. She looked forward to practices and the improvements she could see in her athletes and students everyday. Her greatest joy, besides the times we spent together as a family were victories on the court for sure, but she also learned to relish losses that taught the great lessons in life.
Jaime and Ellen, courage defined.
We all have seen the next Ellen pass by us. It is important to be ready with that nudge that alters his or her life. Once Ellen learned that her diagnosis had changed she wanted to find a way to keep influencing volleyball players from
our region and beyond to find their voice and their passion. It was her idea to create the We Serve First Foundation, and provide financial help to young men and women so that they could afford a camp or club volleyball experience.
In our first year, we have spent almost $8,000 doing just that, and our success is obvious in the footprint Ellen left in the first years recipients.
What is awesome about the foundation is that with each vollership a life is altered just slightly, sometimes it's enough to make a big difference.
#choosetoserve
Clairissa Hankinson was on the fence about college. A consistent 4.0 student throughout her High School years, she thought she would continue working after school. College seemed far from affordable to Clair. She was also a talented middle blocker at Plum HS but with out the wherewithal to afford club she was largely off the radar for a college scholarship. With a little help in the volleyball community we were put in contact with Clair, got her the club experience she needed. Ellen was so glad she was able to help Clair out. It gave her hope in the purpose of this new foundation. It wasn't until Ellen's wake that we found out Clair had received an offer from Eastern Kentucky and would attend on scholarship...
So WSF will continue on in Ellen's memory, it alone can't keep her spirit alive, but you can. It is hard to be everywhere and find the kids that need our help, so we can always use extra eyes in the volleyball community. Feel free to contact me with any questions about our program, and please steer kids our way that might need our assistance.
Once again, thank you all for this wonderful evening, and for impacting Ellen throughout her life, and also for the love and support you have shown my family and I throughout the past year. God bless you all. Thank you.
We Serve First, a Message from Ellen.
A small excerpt from the longer video commissioned by Eli Lilly for their Cyramza campaign.
Reena Robinson, We Serve First's Club Scholarship athlete for the 2020 club season
Give it Back-Pittsburgh Camp and Summer Serve 2019
Last Summer We Serve First sent three athletes and Coach Kelsey Bonk to Anaheim for Give it Back’s camp. This summer Give it Back brings it’s troupe of National Team members and former Olympians to Western Pennsylvania for an impressive two day camp at Moon High School August 9th and 10th. What we hope to contribute as a foundation, and what I might be able to do to help founders Christa Harmotto-Dietzen, Courtney Thompson, and Tama Miyashiro require a little more explaination.
We Serve First is continuing it’s mission by provide financially challenged athletes an opportunity to attend this fine camp. We have a goal of 20 young women we wish to send to Give it Back’s camp. Early generosity has us nearing the 1/3 mark in fundraising for this endeavor. We have started collecting names of eligible athletes from local High School and Club coaches. When we get twenty names we will draw them from a hat and put them in order on a list. As funding becomes available, we will inform each athlete that they have been sponsored. If we collect donations beyond the goal of twenty we will expand the list. There is no shortage of athletes who can use our help...
You can get involved by donating at our GoFundMe https://www.gofundme.com/um4uxs page. Every dollar raised between now and the close of registration will go towards this campaign.
We Serve First has enjoyed being a part of Give it Back’s efforts in the past. Along with sending MaKayla, McKenna, Cassie, and Coach Bonk last summer, we also sponsored one athlete from Washington at Give it Back’s first camp in Kent. We are so proud to partner with them again for “Summer Serve 2019”.
Look for the revival of my “Five Questions” segments as Give it Back rolls out the coaching roster for this camp. I’m hoping to add to the hype by asking each coach about camp, their careers, and what they look forward to most when it comes to visiting Pittsburgh. There is so much to be gained by learning about each of these amazing athletes, their journey, and what it takes to toe the service line with the game in the balance and a medal on the line. I’ll be sure to share on my social media outlets as the answers come in.
It’s going to be an active year for volleyball in Western Pennsylvania and Pittsburgh specifically. NCAA Divison I Final Four will be at PPG Paints Arena in December. Let’s get the party started by “serving” young athletes in our region an opportunity of a lifetime, a chance to attend Give it Back’s camp August 9th and !0th. Thank you for your generosity and support of We Serve First!
Tim Toy
We Serve First Foundation
The Road to Anaheim-We Serve First Heads West
On Monday, May 25th, The Give it Back Foundation announced that they would be hosting a two day volleyball clinic in Anaheim, California. Later that same day I had an revelation. We Serve First was going to send an athlete from the Kiski Valley to learn from some of the world’s best volleyball players.
Why did I feel so strongly about this particular camp, and these particular players? Give it Back will be staffed by some of the world’s best players in the absolute hotbed of American volleyball, Southern California! The American Sports Center is the training site for our National Team, and these women provided so much encouragement and joy for Ellen as her battle with cancer progressed, and support for me when it reached it’s conclusion.
This would be our Foundation’s biggest undertaking, but by Friday it had blossomed into something even more. Now three athletes, one from each stop on Ellen’s coaching journey, and one coach, will head west for this one of a kind volleyball clinic. So first let’s see who will be carrying the torch for their respective schools.
Plum (Ellen Coached here from 1982-1989, State Champs in 1984)
Makayla Jackson-Sophomore-MH
Leechburg (Ellen started the volleyball program here in 1993 and coached the Blue Devils until 2007) McKenna Pierce-Sophomore-Setter
Kiski Area (Ellen returned to her Alma Mater in 2008 and coached the Cavaliers until cancer forced her to retire in 2015)
Cassie Shoupe-Junior-Setter-Kiski Area
Joining these three players will be Plum coach and former Valley Viking standout Kelsey Bonk. Kelsey played at Carlow and was on one of Ellen’s last club teams at Westmoreland Elite. Kelsey will act as chaperone and also be called on as a volunteer coach at the camp, working alongside Olympians and current National Team members.
Next, let’s take a look at “Give it Back’s” camp clinicians!
Give it Back was founded by former National Team Members Courtney Thompson, Tama Miyashiro, and Christa Deitzen. The camp always raises money for an area charity, and this year it will donate proceeds to the Reins Program, a therapeutic riding program in Fallbrook, CA that teaches kids and adults with disabilities how to ride horses.
The camp will feature 15 hours of live play, classroom, and skills instruction all led by either former or current National Team members, many who have competed at the highest level on earth, the Olympics!
Joining Courtney, Tama, and Christa will be...
Carli Lloyd-who is the host this year
Jordan Larson Foluke Akinradewo
Kelsey Robinson Nicole Davis
Tori Dixon Chiaka Ogbogu
Lauren Gibbemeyer Justine Wong-Oranges
Lauren Carlini Madi Kingdon
Inky Ajanku Haleigh Washington
Micha Hancock Hanna Tapp
Megan Courtney Kelly Hunter
Sarah Wilhite Michelle Bartsch-Hackley
Annie Drews
What can you do to help? Well, it is a massive undertaking and while it is possible, this will definitely put a dent in the foundation’s funds. We are restarting the GoFundMe campaign to defray some of the costs. Anything you can give will help these kids get an unreal opportunity and keep the lights on for We Serve First so we can continue to Serve!
Here is the link...
https://www.gofundme.com/um4uxs?pc=sms_db_co2876_v1&rcid=e4d234eca48b48469b1e9fbfa4d87e3d
Lastly, here is a video sent to me from Clairissa Hankenson, Junior from Eastern Kentucky University, on what We Serve First has meant to her...
I look forward to updating all of you as this process continues. Until then, “Flip the Coin, Choose to Serve”!
Thank you!!!
Tim Toy
We Serve First Foundation
Choosing to Serve, Meet Our First Recipients!
Ellen and I wanted to take a moment to get you all up to speed and let you see the progress and early success that your generosity has allowed. When this idea was born we had no idea how it would function, what we might accomplish, and if we could sustain it, but here we are eight months in, and the picture is getting clearer.