“This season has been quite special as we’ve made our way through the craziness of so many changes to our world amidst COVID. So, I want to first say thank you to everyone here as you all have played a role in making this a memorable and amazing season together. This year we focused on our theme of Best Me = Best We and I could tell through all the fun, positivity, and growth that we were able to achieve our goal - not to mention all the creative practice ideas, color wars, costumes, and the many teams that got to play their parents in volleyball at practice. It was truly fun to watch. The success of our program can be seen through so many ways and it’s amazing to see how as a collective whole we are prioritizing the importance of having fun together.

As a program, we also have many more achievements that I also want to acknowledge. This season we had some great finishes at tournaments.

• 12 Summit team took 2nd in their division at Regionals
• 13 Elevate took first at Powerleague 3
• 13 Summit team placed 2nd in Gold at the Kraken Spring Bash
• 14 Ascent won their first tournament in Mercer Island
• 14 Vertex took first at Powerleague 2
• 14 Elevate took first at Powerleague 3 and 2nd at Regionals in the Turquoise Division
• 14 Summit was 2nd overall in Powerleague (our highest standing ever) took 5th in Gold at PNQ, 5th in Gold at Regionals, and 3rd in Gold at the President’s Weekend Challenge in Auburn
• 15 Elevate took first at Powerleague 2
• 15 Summit took first at Powerleague 1
• 16 Summit took 3rd in Gold at the MLK Winter Spike Invitation in Auburn
• 16 Ascent took 1st at the Border Smackdown Tournament in Spokane and 1st at the Boys NW Tours Tournament in both Centralia and Mercer Island
• 17 Elevate took first at Powerleague 1
• 17 Summit took 25 out of 121 teams at the Las Vegas Classic and 2nd in their division at Regionals
• And lastly, 18 Summit took 1st at the Jingle Ball Battle, 4th in Gold at PNQ, was the first team in our program to get the opportunity to compete at Nationals. And all 8 of our seniors in the program have all committed to continuing their education in college and 4 of the 8 have also committed to continuing playing volleyball at the next level.

In addition, there are many people I want to acknowledge and thank tonight. The first two people are - our Directors Holly and Caitlin. Without them, we wouldn’t get events like this, social media accounts that highlight all our athletes, fundraising events, awesome gear and swag, and so so much more to list that it would never end. Both Holly and Caitlin have a huge heart for our community, our athletes, the program, and are a constant force for new ideas and new ways to take our program to the next level. I am so thankful to have them both and appreciate the tremendous amount of work and time they dedicate every single year! 

Next, I would like to thank all of our sponsors: GreenHouse Homes, Amjay, Apex Fitness, and Annie Dameron Pederson at John L. Scott for their generosity this season as our sponsors help make Scholarships and playing club volleyball available for so many athletes in our program. 

And Lastly, I would love to acknowledge and thank a special group of people that make club volleyball possible every season. They are our relentless cheerleaders, support systems, and morning warriors driving us to tournaments early in the morning when it’s dark out and then again, late at night, when it’s dark once more. They have sacrificed their bodies for countless hours on bleachers, standing in tight spaces or corners of the gyms, or in line for water, snacks, lunches, and/or for another tournament sweatshirt or t-shirt that we must have every time. Without them - this journey wouldn’t be possible - thank you to our parents, adults, and guardians!

Finally, on behalf of staff and I, we thank everyone for being a part of the APEX family. We are so thankful for you all!”