Congratulations Tori For Signing With Division 1 School at CSULB
August 21st, 2011
New Wave Volleyball Club has been a huge part of my life for the past four years. Each year has brought new challenges, experiences, and skills which I could not have developed without the help of my teammates and coaches. I began my journey with New Wave VBC when I was 14 years old, in the 8th grade (2007-2008). My first year at the club was a fantastic experience; and having Coach Sam as my coach was a wonderful blessing. He continuously encouraged me to do my best and perfect the basic skills of volleyball.
Throughout my freshmen, sophomore and junior years of high school I was privileged to have Coach Steve LaRusch as my head coach. During my freshman year of high school I fractured my L5 vertebrae, which is the last vertebrae in my spine. I was out for the second half of my club season and devastated to say the least. By the grace of God I was able to recover and started rehabilitation with a physical therapist. Recovering from such a severe injury was grueling physically and emotionally but throughout the entire experience my family at New Wave VBC was behind me. All of the coaches and players were willing to do anything to help. They cheered me on through rehabilitation and my entry back into the sport. I don’t know of many clubs that will work with a player with a serious injury so supportively. My coaches genuinely cared about me, not only as a player, but as an individual. Thankfully I recovered fully and now maintain a rigorous core strength/jump training/weight lifting workout schedule in order to strengthen my muscles and keep my spine protected from further injury.
My sophomore year in high school was the best year of volleyball that I have had so far! Our team had a bond that I believe could have only come from the Lord. Coach LaRusch worked with us each practice on developing our elite volleyball skills. He consistently cheered for us on and off the volleyball court. Something I treasure about Coach LaRusch is that he has the ability to step onto the court as our coach but when he steps off of it he is a mentor and father figure for all of us girls. Not only did he encourage each of us to do our best in the game, he expected us to maintain good grades and make good choices. Throughout the year I was allowed to hold a team Bible study for anyone who would like to attend. This is the kind of opportunity that you will find at New Wave VBC. Each practice is personal and the coaches want you to become the best person you can possibly be.
Junior year was a huge learning curve for our team. Like any club some people stay and some go. We played in the 18’s division as a 17’s team. Physically we were all smaller than the girls we played at each tournament, but that didn’t stop us from wanting to win. Each practice was challenging. Coach
LaRusch worked hard to introduce us to a much higher level of volleyball. The highlight of my club season this last year was the Las Vegas Classic. The Classic is a huge tournament held in Las Vegas, Nevada where college recruiters from all over the country come to scout and recruit players. Our 17’s Platinum team raised all of the money for the trip through fundraisers. In my mind this last season was a success. We may not have won every game we played, but we learned the value of diligence and teamwork.
When someone asks me what I think of New Wave Volleyball Club I can genuinely smile and say, “We’re family. And as a family we will push you to become the best athlete and person you can possibly be.” My time at this club has helped shape me as the young woman I am today. I have learned to persevere through all circumstances whether it’s a fractured spine, working to pay for my club fees, or losing a match by two points. Not only have I been an active athlete, I was also given the blessing of being the assistant coach for the 12’s Platinum team this last year. I was able to teach and inspire young girls because of the opportunity Coach Sam provided me. It was a fantastic experience that I wouldn’t trade for anything! Overall New Wave Volleyball Club is a wonderful place to grow and learn the fundamentals of volleyball. It is a family that cheers you on at the sidelines, a place where life-long friends are made, and it will provide you with the chance to be mentally, physically, and emotionally strong on and off the court.