Winter 2025/2026

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Nov 15 - Feb 22 - Winter Sports is here! - See the Weekly Calendar below
• Nov 19 - YMSL Basketball Event, Ashburn - Details below
• Nov 22 - Triathlon, Ashburn Village Sports Pavilion - Details below
• Nov 22 - SOVAL Meet, Greet, and Dance, Lovettsville - Details below
• Dec 6 - Leesburg Holiday Parade, Ida Lee Park - Details below
• Dec 13 - Basketball Tournament, Loudoun locations - Details coming
• Dec 13 - Purcellville Holiday Parade, Blue Ridge Middle School - Details below
• Jan 3 - Basketball Tournament, Loudoun locations - Details coming
• Jan 11 - Zumba Dance Fundraiser, Ashburn - Details below
• Jan 11 - Coaches Appreciation Dinner, Ashburn - By invitation
• Jan 24 - Polar Bear Plunge, Mosaic (tentative) - Details coming
• Jan 25 - Basketball Tournament, Fairfax locations - Check with coaches
• Jan 31 - Woodgrove HS & Chantilly HS Unified Basketball - Details coming
• Feb 1 - Basketball Tournament, Fairfax locations - Check with coaches
• Feb 7 - Broad Run HS & Woodson HS Unified Basketball - Details coming
• Feb 14 - Polar Bear Plunge, Leesylvania State Park - Details below
• Feb 28 - End of Winter Season Party - Details coming

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest details and updates.

Loudoun Special Olympics Volleyball Teams Celebrate Remarkable Season

The Special Olympics Modified Volleyball team wrapped up an impressive season marked by growth, teamwork, and determination. The players focused on developing strong passing skills and improving court awareness throughout the year. The team was led by athletes Kyle Allen, Mark Gil-Medina, Jordan Melton, Max Nalley, and Nanda Correa, alongside newcomers Luke Akin, Atharv Yadav, and Yeabsira Aman, who brought fresh energy and enthusiasm to the court. Together, they worked hard, supported one another, and had fun every step of the way.

The Loudoun Spikers Traditional Volleyball team also enjoyed an outstanding season filled with milestones and medals. The team opened with a thrilling win over Fairfax — their first-ever victory against that opponent. They went on to earn silver medals at both the Shenandoah Super Games at Bridgewater College and the Fall Games in Virginia Beach.

Captains Matt Davis, Joey Barnett, and Mary Kate Tosik provided steady leadership throughout the season giving maximum effort and delivering incredible plays when the team needed them the most. At the Fall Games, David Knight and Jimmy Apperson dominated at the net, while serving specialist Brian Lawler, playing through a sprained ankle, delivered multiple aces. Jamie Spiering and Kaitlin Anderson also stepped up with three crucial aces each, helping propel the Spikers into the Gold Medal Round. The Timbers twins (Jordan and Lynn) helped cover both back row and front row duties helping provide a stout defense needed throughout the weekend. Finally Andres Sincek and Chris Robinson rounded out the lineup coming in at critical moments to help the Spikers attack.  

This season also brought exciting changes to the coaching staff, with new coaches Darren Nilsen, Olivia Nilsen, Julia Nilsen, and Bella Pereyra joining returning coaches Thomas Basore and Josie Peterson. Together, they emphasized sportsmanship, teamwork, and developing a lifelong passion for volleyball among all athletes.

Assistant Coach Olivia Nilsen commented “it’s been so rewarding watching this group of talented athletes progress from the very first practice to watching them rally at states. I’m so proud of each and every one of them and the effort they put into this team”.  

“Each Saturday was the highlight of the week for myself and the coaching staff,” added Head Coach Darren Nilsen. “Being able to spend time with these amazing athletes was truly a gift. Getting to know them as individuals while helping them discover their love for volleyball was an incredible experience. The success we achieved — while having so much fun — was just the cherry on top of a great season.”

Loudoun Strikers Soccer Team Strikes Silver at the

2025 Fall Championships

The Division 3 Loudoun Strikers brought together athletes from two teams to bring home the Silver!

This talented team featured seven players from the west — Aidan Ryan, Taylor Gammil, Leilani Bowers, Lauren Welsh, Thomas Conaway, Iesha Green, and Juan Young — and two players from the east, Tyler Bernreuther and Max Miller. Coaching duties were shared by Head Coach Joy Cavagnaro and Assistant Coach Sean Mooney.

The Strikers opened Saturday’s divisioning rounds against none other than the eight-time Division 1 State Champions. They rose to the challenge, showing grit and teamwork, and were relieved to know they wouldn’t face that powerhouse again, at least this year!

First-time Special Olympians the Indomitable Iesha and Speedster Juan impressed everyone with their energy and nonstop smiles all weekend. Lightfoot Lauren, Toe Tapping Thomas, and Mighty Max dominated the field, while goalkeepers Taylor “the Great” Gammil and Leilani “the Beast” Bowers made jaw-dropping saves.

Our undeniable MVP, Aidan the Amazing scored 7 goals in the two official games, while Tyler the Terrific scored  2 goals, proving to be a fierce competitor throughout the tournament.

Fueled by their pre-game chant, “We Got This!”, and the thunderous support of the “best fans evah,” the Loudoun Strikers played their hearts out and left the field with smiles, pride, and a shiny silver finish.

Pickleball Rocked the Fall Championships

with Three Teams! 

Rachel and Eliza brought home the golds.

First-timers Liam and Chris won the bronze metal.

Nicole and Frankie secured 4th place. 

We look forward to advancing our skills for next year!  

YMSL BIG BASKETBALL EVENT

Wednesday, November 19

6:00 - 7:15 PM

Legacy Elementary School

22995 Minerva Drive

Ashburn, VA

Special Olympics Virginia-Loudoun (SOVAL) simply could not provide our programs without volunteers. Many of the young men that you’ve seen in orange volunteer t-shirts at practices and games are members of the Young Men Service League (YMSL). They and their parents have made a huge impact on our athletes for many years!

This event brings together some of those young men to scrimmage with players from SOVAL teams:

The Thunder and Hoop Stars

Please attend to cheer on our athletes and express your thanks for YMSL’s generous support!

WINTER SPORTS SCHEDULE

WINTER SPORTS VOLUNTEERS

We can't do it without you!

Volunteers interested in helping out with Basketball Practices - Sign up HERE

Volunteers interested in helping out with other Winter sports - Sign up HERE

Volunteers interested in helping out with Western Winter sports - Sign up HERE

BASKETBALL SEASON IS HERE!

We heard you when you advocated for a third Loudoun basketball tournament and programs with broader reach into Loudoun County.

Because of the key elements necessary to expand programs - adequate facilities, volunteers, and coaches - we've been able to support and add swimming, pickleball, soccer, fitness, and dance into south, west, and east Loudoun over the last few years.

Now, because of the dedicated efforts of individuals in Western Loudoun, Winter Basketball Coordinator Mike Noel, and our partners at Loudoun County Parks and Recreation, there are three new basketball teams forming in the west. You can sign up for those teams HERE and learn more at the Meet and Greet event on November 22.

The Loudoun tournaments on Dec 13 and Jan 3 will include games at two new locations - Patrick Henry College in Purcellville and the Virginia Academy in Ashburn. The tournaments on Jan 25 and Feb 1 will take place in Fairfax County locations. We typically do not know the times and locations until 7-10 days prior to the tournament. Watch for messages from your coaches and Facebook postings.

Some of our athletes also compete on their schools' Unified Basketball teams. It's a great opportunity to connect with new families and scout for new players! Check out the Upcoming Events above for dates and stay tuned to our Facebook site for the latest news.

JOIN US!

POLAR PLUNGE 2026

February 14, 2026

Be Bold! Go for the Gold!

Join our Loudoun - Area 14 team where we'll be strutting our stuff and taking on an icy dip into the Potomac - all for a great cause. Bring your friends and family out for live music and a chance to claim the title as the best-dressed plunger.

Join our team or donate to any of our team members!