SHREVEPORT, LA – Competing against clubs from over 30 states, Shreveport-Bossier's TC Elite 13U team went undefeated and won the gold medal in the highly competitive Lone Star Classic. Players Shea Walker and Ivanna Salazar said the experience was surreal.
“Yeah, I was definitely nervous being there, but I think it was really cool and a really great experience. I think it brought us even closer as a team,” Salazar said. “It was really cool and fun to be there and go from a small club to being there and winning.”
Walker added, “I mean, it was great and definitely very challenging. I feel like we were on the floor the whole time.”
The win in Dallas was their fourth title of the year, and they had regional and national championships in mind. Head coach Brian “BT” Knudsen said the club's goals go beyond success on the court.
“This is a huge sport in the world, but in Shreveport it's a black hole for volleyball. So we've been working tirelessly day and night for the past eight years trying to bring this sport everywhere we can. I've been working on it. It's been quite a journey, I'm not going to lie.”
Owner and Director Kayleigh Carter added that the organization's development is further enhanced by education on the front lines.
“If you start the right way and learn the right way, you won't have any bad habits to break, so you'll advance faster. So it's important to have an outlet and make friends who are different from you.”School . “
Walker and Salazar added that they hope to rack up more wins and encourage others to participate in the sport.
Salazar: “It's good to go out and play. It's a lot of fun. All the coaches are really nice and really help out.”
Walker: “I say definitely do it because it's made me so much better as a player and as a person.”