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!