Altitude Newsletter January 2024

Monthly news & updates

January 2024 | Volume 4, Issue 1

Upcoming Events

See what's happening the rest of the month.

Player Spotlights

Get to know some of our awesome CSA development players!

CSA Orange - Eva Mucino:

Team Orange's spotlight player is Eva Mucino. We have only had a couple of weeks of practice with Eva, but I can already see that she will be a fantastic influence to the team, on and off the court. Eva has a constant positive attitude and is always willing to help the team in whatever way she can. Eva is strong as a hitter, setter, or defensive specialist which enables her many options for the team. I look forward to seeing what is in store for this season for Eva and Team Orange.

- Coach Tamera

CSA Light Purple - Domi Carochi:

Light Purple Developmental Team has chosen Domi Carochi as our spotlight player. From the first day of practice, she has demonstrated determination, great communication, hustle, and drive. She communicates on and off the court to her teammates about each play that is occurring and is willing to help out wherever she can. Domi is always ready to learn as soon as she steps onto the court for practice and can adapt to any position that she is put in. Domi continues to improve her skills with each day and continues to demonstrate leadership to all the other girls. I am very grateful to continue to work with her, coach her, and watch her skills grow throughout the rest of the season! – Coach Kelsey

CSA Pink:

Team Pink is a group of girls who have found a home and a team. They know how to enjoy each practice and yet put on their game face and get to work. I am honored to be their coach this season. Some I know from open gyms before the season started, and some I know from day one. In just a few practices they have improved individually and as a team. That is the greatest gift as a coach. Watch out this season! Team Pink is going to surprise you all with their talent, focus, and love for the game of volleyball! Pictured are Lulu, Kendall, Addie, Sloane, Paula, and Evey. 6 of 9 incredible volleyball players. - Coach Ashleigh

CSA Lime Green - Madeline Hanford:

Lime Green’s spotlight player of the month is Madeline Hanford. Madeline is growing every day as a leader and gives 110% at every practice - she tries her hardest, always gives her best, is an intelligent player with a great attitude, and is a kind teammate. We are grateful to have her on our team and are excited to see all the ways she’ll grow this season! - Coach Michelle

CSA Purple - Ella Linsten:

Ella is on CSA Purple! Despite this being her first year Ella has not let anything stop her! Her determination and commitment have helped her improve so much with only a month into the season! Ella has been such a great leader. Her hustle and communication skills help inspire her teammates and lead them on the court. I cannot wait to see what the rest of the season holds for Ella! - Coach Lily

Joke of the Day:

What do you call something you can serve, but never eat?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.

Starting Strong in GOLD!

During the first tournament of the season, Altitude came out on top with all teams finishing in the Gold Bracket of the Centennial State Series Prep Tournament.

At the prep tournament, everyone was excited to see the competition, work on rotations, and much more. The effort and determination of each team was unstoppable. So unstoppable that many CSA teams had to compete against each other. CSA 14 Navy athlete, Toryn Dempsey said, "Playing against other CSA teams was fun because there was a lot of different variety and we had more competition when we were playing older teams, which was a good learning experience." Annabella De Simone, 15 Navy athlete, agreed with Dempsey that, "playing against the other CSA teams was really fun", and added it felt like "a big family game."

As much as the first tournament of the season was a success, each athlete knows it doesn't stop there. Many of Altitude's teams have big goals, and their athletes agree. 18 Navy, outside hitter, Julia Schneider says, "Our goals this year include growing as a team. We are working on uplifting each other and celebrating the good qualities each one of us possesses. We want to succeed in our powers and qualifiers. Most of all, we just want to have fun with each other since it's our last season together." Teammate, Jayla Higgs agreed and added, "18 Navy's goal is to play good volleyball cohesively on the court. We really strive for consistent energy and communication." Schneider also said the team is "working toward improving" in areas like "blocking and serve receive."

Another athlete who has high hopes for her team (17 Silver) this season is Lillian Toliver. "Some goals we have for this season consist of playing hard until the last point in every game, to work hard each practice, always better the ball, and having great team chemistry on and off the court", Toliver said. Lillian also discussed how excited she was to play with 17 Silver and why the team works so well together. "I really admire how this team plays, through perseverance and just always encouraging each other. We have found it easy to click on and off the court. There is never a dull moment and always lots of joy!"

CSA 15 Navy players also know what it's like to be a part of a team that works well together, no matter the circumstance. De Simone said 15 Navy has, "all known each other for awhile and are close." She feels like this gives them the upper hand as they, "know how each other plays" and can help one another out.

With their goals in mind, this season is sure to be a good one for Altitude and its athletes. Many players are excited about what this year has in store. CSA 18 Navy athlete, Jayla Higgs said, "I'm looking forward to the Qualifier in Las Vegas and connecting with the girls on and off the court." Other players said...

"Playing with my team, and winning!!"

- Aubrey Layton, 15 Silver

"Being at a new club and traveling with my team."

- Makari Cooper, 15 Silver

"For this season I'm most excited to learn and grow with my team and become a family."

- Keira Shockley, 15 Silver

"To spend time playing the sport I love with my new family." - Miranda Hamilton, 17 Silver

CSA has shown that not only are they a group of highly talented athletes, but one big family; and this family is ready for the 2024 season! Good luck to Altitude in the first Powers and Out-of-State Qualifiers of the new year!

Recruiting Tips & Tricks

Rylee Pitts, South Mountain Community College

Talia Grier, Luther College

Baylee Gentz, Harford Community College

Olivia Parsley, Newman University

Recruiting Timeline... What do I do next?

Here’s a quick overview of all the steps involved in the recruiting process. While some of these might shift around based on each family’s unique recruiting journey, these are the major checkpoints along the way:

Discuss as a family if college sports are right for you and determine if your family is ready to start the recruiting process.
Determine what division levels to target, based on athletic and academic goals, as well as social and cultural fit.
Research schools and create a target list of 20–30 colleges and universities to reach out to.
Create at least one volleyball recruiting video that can be sent to coaches of interest. Make additional videos as the season progresses.
Contact coaches at targeted schools and respond to all coach communications.
Attend tournaments and camps that will help get you more exposure to college coaches and allow them to watch you compete in person.
Go visit college campuses and meet with coaches in person.
Complete NCAA and/or NAIA academic eligibility requirements and send the appropriate documentation to those organizations.
Start receiving offers and determining how much financial aid is needed to attend each school that offers a roster spot.
Choose your favorite university and commit! Work with the coach on scholarship details and if they have a National Letter of Intent (or an equivalent) that needs to be signed.

GET RECRUITED

Volleyball Joke Answer: A volleyball.

CSAVBC | www.csavbc.org