PORTAGE, Mich. — Congratulations to the two Next Level Performance volleyball teams that are heading to Nationals! This is the organization’s first year providing a National 6-month program and both their 16U and 17U teams have impressed everyone with their outstanding performance. The members of the teams have been practicing three nights a week, including speed and agility sessions, while also playing other sports in their local high schools, while performing at a high level in the classroom as well.

These teams are made up of very special girls who have given 100% all season.  The two National teams represent the following schools: Gull Lake, Vicksburg, Three Rivers, Portage Northern, Harper Creek, Mattawan, Portage Central, Lawton, Constantine, Howardsville Christian.

The teams will soon travel to Orlando to compete in the AAU Girls Junior National Volleyball Championship tournament. In an effort to take ownership and to lift some of the burden from their parents they were able to raise almost $2,000 to contribute to the overall cost of the tournament.

We asked Katrina Miller, the Director of NLP Volleyball, what she sees as the contributing factor the teams’ success. She said, “This is my fourth year as the director of volleyball at NLP and I can say with 100% confidence that our teams are more and more successful every year due to our leadership program. This year we focused on trust and drive.  We review leadership at every practice and it helps the girls get out of their comfort zones, become closer as a team, and most importantly it teaches them about life skills that they can use on and off the court.”

The coaches for each time are incredible proud of their teams. Madi Lovell is the coach for the 16U team. Her proudest coaching moment this season was at the Chicago Classic. She remembers it as the first weekend everything “clicked-together” for the team. The team played their hearts out and took home first place after a well-fought, three-set, championship match! After Madi witnessed the tenacity her team demonstrated that weekend, she knew they’d be heading to nationals.

From the first time she stepped on the court when I was on Chad and Katrina Millers team, Madi knew she would coach, someday. Chad and Katrina inspired her with their passion and dedication to every member of the team. Her mentors made such a strong impact on her life, and she wanted to do the same for generations coming after her. She now sees the game from a new perspective. Madi says, “As a coach now, the intense matches and the first-place wins are great but, the relationship I build with each of my players is what I will remember forever. “

16U 2022 Tournament Accomplishments:

1st in Silver, MLK Showcase

1st in Silver, Pineapple Grand Prix, Angola IN

1st in Gold, Chicago Classic

1st in Gold, Motor City Madness, Detroit MI

1st in Silver, Lakeshore Volleyfest, Lakeshore MI

3rd in Gold MJVBA (State tournament), Grand Rapids MI

Megan Jergens leads the 17U team at Next Level Performance. Her proudest moment of the season was when the team was down 24-10, they held strong and ended up winning 29-27.  Megan said, “They showed true grit and determination.  They proved to themselves that no matter the adversity we face we can still be successful and that giving up is never the answer.”

Megan continued by sharing, “I show up every day for the girls.  They inspire me to be the best coach that I can be.  I want to share my love and knowledge for the game in hopes that they will do the same someday.  I want to create positive experiences for the girls so they can share the same love for the game”.

17U 2022 Tournament Accomplishments:

1st in Bronze , MLK Showcase

1st in Silver, Sandusky Block Party

3rd in Gold, Chicago Classic

1st in Silver, Motor City Madness, Detroit MI

3rd in Gold, Lakeshore Volleyfest, Lakeshore MI

2nd in Gold, Can Am Classic, Detroit MI

2nd in Gold, MJVBA (State tournament), Grand Rapids MI

The Next Level Performance program is dedicated to helping their teams succeed on and off the court. The love the coaches have for the game and the players serves as the foundation for this amazing organization.

If you are interested in learning more, visit domesportscenter.com.

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