What Happened
A new volleyball club has been established in the San Juan Islands, providing local players with an opportunity to compete at the club level. This initiative was spearheaded by Ruby Sausman, a resident of Lopez Island, who sought to create an all-islands club team after experiencing the challenges of traveling off-island for competitions with the Skagit Island Volleyball Academy (SIVA).
Why It Matters
The formation of this club addresses the logistical difficulties faced by young athletes and their families, who previously had to endure extensive travel and overnight stays to participate in volleyball. Ruby Sausman’s mother, Keri Sausman, highlighted the impact of this travel on her daughter’s education, stating, “We ended up living in our RV half the week off-island.” The new club aims to foster local talent and reduce the burden on families, while also enhancing community engagement in sports.
What’s Next
With the support of SIVA’s director, Zach Calles, and the recruitment of coach Marina Mejaender, the club is set to begin operations. The initiative reflects a growing interest in local sports programs and aims to provide a sustainable platform for young athletes in the San Juan Islands.
