DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - Rounding out a successful season where they competed against teams across the Midwest, Apex Volleyball club will send three teams to National Championships.
 
The 14U Blue team will compete at the 51st AAU Volleyball Championships in Orlando, Florida on June 13-18, while the 14U Green and 12U Blue teams are heading to the 30th ASICS Jr. National Volleyball Championships held at Chicago's Navy Pier on June 10-11.
 
"Going for what most of them have only seen on YouTube, and now getting to be part of it is huge," said Club Director Tony Holly. "Getting that experience to be ready for that level of competition and just knowing that in the end, they're bringing it back to their schools and getting to use that experience to better their teams is great."
 
Apex has been fostering not only passion for volleyball as a sport, but the community around the game and new friendships. Through the club, players come together regardless of their background and what school they're from.
 
"It's great for Decatur, it's great for the area, it's great for the game," Holly said. "I think you're taking kids from different circumstances who find out they have a lot in common. They're all playing for the love of the game, they love the sport."
 
Maroa-Forsyth's Claira Timmons (14U Blue) says it has enabled her to step outside her comfort zone and experience the game with student-athletes she may not otherwise have met. "I like playing with people that aren't from my school because then I get to meet more people," Timmons said. "Then it's not like you're bringing all your personal things to practice."
 
Many of the players say attending tournaments like these allow them to talk with other, more experienced competitors, and learn techniques to bring back home. While victory is the goal, understanding how to improve is equally important.
 
"You win some, you lose some, but it's about teamwork and how you work together," said 12U player Arielle Winters.
 
The contest in Orlando is one of the largest in the world, bringing in over 40,000 athletes from across the globe. Both groups having the chance to enjoy the moment and share in their experiences, is what Holly values most.
 
"I think it's going to make them great ambassadors not just from the sport but for their community," he said. "Getting out there, going to these tournaments, getting to meet new people, new experiences, it's part of the growing up process. Everybody's not going to go on and play college, but they're going to create some great memories here."
 
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