Welcome to Pitt United Girls Volleyball Club

1. Welcome toPitt United Girls Volleyball Club Club Director: Amanda O’Connor

2. Club DirectorCoach Amanda O’Connor • I am the Club Director/Founder of Pitt United Girls Volleyball Club. Two years ago I started the organization in hopes of providing the best experience and opportunity for girls to play club volleyball. I value teaching the techniques of the game and believe on a skill building approach for the proper and most successful development of aspiring players and experienced volleyball athletes.

3. Pitt United Girls Volleyball Club Meet the Coaches & Teams

4. Meet the COACHES • Pitt United Girls Volleyball Club specializes in teaching volleyball skills and techniques to all of its athletes with our incredible coaching staff. • Some facts about Pitt United’s Coaching Staff: • All coaches on staff played volleyball at the collegiate level. Division I, II, III or for their college club team.

5. 18 & Under Coachshelby weber

6. 18 & Under Coachshelby weber • Welcome Coach Shelby Weber to Pitt United and as the 18 and Under Coach • Information about Coach Shelby • Attended La Roche College graduating in 2014 cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design and a minor in Sustainable Studies. • Received the La Roche College President’s Leadership and Scholarship Nomination • Inducted into the La Roche College Honors Program for Honors in the Department of Interior Design. • 4 years coaching experience throughout her high school and college years including Club Volleyball, Middle School, and recently starting as the La Roche College Assistant Coach. • Shelby played at Unionville High School and Liberty Belles Volleyball Club • Played at La Roche College as a libero and was named captain all 4 years.

7. Pitt United 18’s Team Please join me in welcoming Pitt United’s 18& Under Team for the 2014-2015 season! • Angela Smith – Defensive Specialist – Mt. Lebanon • Meghan Taylor – Outside Hitter/Dspec – Our Lady Sacred Heart • Hannah Bradford – Outside Hitter – Shaler • Sarah Shaheen – Setter– Our Lady Sacred Heart • Madeline Blue – OH/M – Eden Christian Academy • Hannah Both – Middle – Mars • Trista Fink – Middle – Springdale • Natalie Collins - Dspec – Hampton • Hannah Ryan – Rightside/Outside – Mars • Autumn Rogers – Rightside/Middle - Butler Head Coach: Shelby Weber

8. 17 & under coachShannon Locke

9. 17 & under coachShannon Locke • Coach Shannon Locke returns to Pitt United to coach the 17s team for this season. • Information about Coach Shann: • 2000 Graduate from Seneca Valley • Outside and Rightside Hitter- HS & DS-College • Graduated 2006 from Marshall University in Huntington WV with her Masters in Business Administration • Currently works at IIVI Incorporated as the Corporate Compliance Manager • 5 years Coaching Experience- 2nd year with Pitt United

10. Pitt united 17’s team Please join me in welcoming Pitt United’s 17 & Under Team for the 2014-2015 season! • Julia Shane – Setter – Shaler • Sarah Whelan – Rightside/Defensive Specialist – North Hills • Taylor Bostick – Middle/Outside – Shaler • Alyssa Fenton – Defensive Specialist – Mars • Kayla Mitchell – Outside/Middle – Mars • Emily Cooney – Defensive Specialist/Setter – North Hills • Abby Keppel – Rightside/Middle – Moon • Paige Talkowski – Outside Hitter – Moon • Julia Bernesser- Middle - Shaler Head Coach- Shannon Locke

11. Club Director &16 and Under Coach Amanda o’connor

12. 16 & UnderCoach Amanda O’connor • Started the organization two years ago with 4 teams, I am excited to see the club grow this year into 5 teams for this 2014 and 2015 seasons. It was always a goal of mine to create a girls volleyball program and I am happy to be able to provide this opportunity to young players and be able to teach the game that I know so well and love so much. • Information about Coach O: • 2004 Graduate from Seneca Valley • Middle Hitter • Graduated Magna Cum Lade from Indiana University of PA in the Fall of 2008 with my Bachelors of Science Degree in Family and Consumer Sciences Education and with a Minor in Child Development and Family Relation Studies. • Currently am a Middle and High School Family and Consumer Sciences teacher at Moon Area School District. • 8 years Coaching Experience

13. Pitt united 16’s team Please join me in welcoming Pitt United’s 16& Under Team for the 2014-2015 season! • Raquel Richards – Setter– Moon • Isabella Montanaro – Outside Hitter – Moon • Madelyn Schultz – Middle – Moon • Jenna Hill – Outside Hitter – Moon • Ashley Sleva – Defensive Specialist/Outside Hitter– Moon • Jordyn Lilienthal – Right Side/Middle – North Allegheny • Rachael Melton – Defensive Specialist – Moon • Sienna Vogel – Rightside/Middle – Grove City • Sydney Bostick – Dspec – Shaler • Emily Truchan- Outside/Dspec – Quaker Valley Head Coach- Coach O

14. 15 and Under Coach Angela Heagy

15. 15 and Under Coach Angela Heagy • Coach Angela Heagy returns to Pitt United for a third consecutive year. Last year Coach Ang was Pitt United’s Head Coach for the 17 and under team and the year before with 16s. This year Coach Ang was asked to coach at 15s because of her strong technical teaching in the sport. • Information about Coach Ang: • 2007 Graduate from Seneca Valley • Defensive Specialist/Libero/Setter • Graduated 2011 from Hiram University in Hiram Ohio with her Bachelors Degree in English • Currently works at PNC as a Consultant • 8 years coaching experience- 3rd year with Pitt United

16. Pitt united 15’s team Please join me in welcoming Pitt United’s 15& Under Team for the 2014-2015 season! • Callie McClintock - Setter – North Hills • Zook Crain – Dpsec – Shaler • Stephanie Ford – • Katelyn Niggemyer – Outside/Middle - Vincentian Academy • Kaylee Martin – Outside/Dspec – Seneca Valley • Sarah Illingworth – Rightside/Dspec – Seneca Valley • Leah Cunningham – • Olivia Williams – • Alecia Spagnolo- Head Coach- Angela Heagy

17. 14 & under coachAndrew Brugnone

18. 14 & under coachAndrew Brugnone • Coach Andrew Brugnoneis Pitt United’s returns to Pitt United for his second year. Coach “Drew” will be leading the 14s team this season. • Information about Coach Drew: • 2007 Graduate from Seneca Valley • Defensive Specialist- HS & Libero- College • Graduated 2011 from Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green Ohio with his Bachelors Degree in Radio/TV Broadcasting • Currently works at Dicks Sports Goods as a Merchandise Analyst • 2nd Year Coaching with Pitt United

19. Pitt united 14s team Please join me in welcoming Pitt United’s 14& Under Team for the 2014-2015 season! • Greta Winkler • Kathryn Cole • Ava Whitesel • Jennifer Friello • Madison Foster • Ashley Safranek • Hannah Sims • Olivia Solverson • Leah Rode

20. Gone but not forgotten and may return one day…

21. Pitt United Girls Volleyball Club Player/Team Pictures

22. Player and Team Photo’s • Coaches will now take teams in the hallway to take individual and team photos of the girls and have them complete their bio’s for the Pitt United Website. • Players must get a signature from their parent on their bio to allow information and photo to be posted • Coaches need to confirm uniform sizes on file with each player as well. Orders are being made this week!!! • Shannon- Photo’s • Ang and Shelby- Uniform Sizing • Andrew- Bio pages and

23. Pitt United Girls Volleyball Club 2014-2015 Season Handbook

24. Pitt united handbookGENERAL CLUB INFORMATION • Welcome to the Pitt United Girls Volleyball Club, a member of the Junior Division of USA Volleyball. The purpose of this handbook is to familiarize parents and players with the club and to provide information regarding the club. Should you need further information, please do not hesitate to contact Pitt United Club Director and Coach; Amanda O’Connor.

25. Pitt united handbookGENERAL CLUB INFORMATION • USA Volleyball (USAV) is volleyball’s national governing body. USAV is associated with the U.S. Olympic Committee and is responsible for local, regional, national, and international volleyball competition. The Pittsburgh United Girls Volleyball Club is part of the Keystone Region Volleyball Association within the USAV Junior Division. • YOU MUST UPGRADE YOUR KRVA MEMBERSHIP FROM TRYOUT TO JUNIOR GIRLS MEMBERSHIP TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE 1ST PRACTICE!!!

26. Pitt united handbookGENERAL CLUB INFORMATION • The Pitt United Girls Volleyball Club is committed to providing quality physical training and competition at the local, regional, and national levels. This competitive athletic experience can enhance social development, contribute to mental and physical health, and teach the values of teamwork, responsibility, self-discipline, and motivation. Children and even parents have the opportunity to develop friendships that will last a lifetime.

27. Pitt united handbookGENERAL CLUB INFORMATION • While representing Pitt United all athletes, parents and supporters are expected to behave in a responsible manner. Any athlete damaging equipment owned by Pitt United or one of the practice facilities during practices, tournaments, functions, or lodging facilities will be required to reimburse the Club and/or facility for the damages. In some cases, the athlete may be dismissed from the Club.

28. Pitt united handbookRegistration and Eligibility • The Junior Division of USA Volleyball has eight age groups 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and under for 2013. • Pitt United will register teams in the following five age brackets: • 18 & Under Division: Players born on or after 9.1.96 • 17 & Under Division: Players born on or after 9.1.97 • 16 & Under Division: Players born on or after 9.1.98 • 15 & Under Division: Players born on or after 9.1.99 • 14 & Under Division: Players born on or after 9.1.00

29. Pitt united handbooktime commitment • The 2015 season runs from December 2014 through May 2015 with practices beginning in early December. (12/8) • Players will be expected to make a commitment to attend practices and competitions scheduled by the club. Advance practice and competition schedule for the season will be given to each participant. It is expected that by having advanced schedule information, that the athletes and families can keep conflict’s to a minimum. While each team may have a different schedule, in general, each participant will receive quality practice time during the week with competitions held on the weekends.

30. Pitt united handbooktournaments • USAV Tournaments are generally played on Saturdays or Sundays lasting the entire day. Some tournaments are held on a combination of two days (Fri/Sat or Sat/Sun). Some tournaments may also include Fri/Sat/Sun play. Pool play generally begins around 8:00 A.M. with the finals held in early evening. Tournament schedules for the 2015 season can be seen on the club website under the calendar tab.

31. Pitt united handbooktournaments • All athletes are expected to be in the gym, ready to go, at the time determined by the Coach. This usually means arriving at the site at least 30-45 minutes prior to the scheduled arrival time. ALL team members are expected to be available to be on the "work team" when the team is scheduled. Should your work assignment be the last match of the tournament, every one is expected to stay.

32. Pitt united handbookuniforms and Equipment • All uniforms and equipment must be purchased through the club to insure the best availability and price. The basic uniform package per team is provided by the club and shown below. Should you like to purchase something that is not assigned for your specific team, you may purchase the item. This information however needs to be known tonight!

33. Pitt united handbookCommunication • This club program was created for the players. Emphasis is placed on good sportsmanship, teamwork, self-control, and having fun. If there is a problem with your daughter and a coach, we encourage you to let your daughter address the issue with her coach first. If the problem continues, we recommend that you then contact her coach to resolve the matter. • We will enforce a 24-hour rule. If you have a problem at a tournament or practice you may address it with the coach only after a 24-hour period. If you still have concerns, please contact the Club Director of Pitt United. • You will be ignored if you break this rule.

34. Pitt united handbookCommunication Chain of Command In Communication • Athlete to Coach • Parent to Coach (after a 24 hour period) • Parent to Club Director • Coaches are told not to answer any parental questions or concerns regarding any coaching decisions if the chain of communication and or the 24-hour rule was not followed. Thank you in advance for your understanding with this rule and policy.

35. Pitt united handbookFundraising options • Fundraising can offset half of your daughter’s club experience. This requires a commitment of time and energy by both the parent and the athlete. The Fundraising Committee will administer all activities designed to solicit funds using the Pitt United Girls Volleyball Club. We welcome ideas but these activities must be sanctioned by the club, and will be done without the direct administration or participation of the club director or coaches. • The following applies to all fund raising activities sanctioned by the club: • A proposal for the fund raising activity must be submitted to the Club Director and Fundraising Committee for approval. • All profit from the fund raising activity must be turned over to the club. The money will then be credited to each player’s individual account dues after the fundraiser is completed.

36. Pitt united handbookparents • Please focus on your daughter’s improvement. Let the coach/coaches focus on her volleyball skill and performance. Be supportive! Let the analysis of your daughter’s performance come from her coach, which is what the coaches are trained to do.

37. Pitt united handbookpayment responsibilities • Make checks payable to the “PITT UNITED GIRLS VOLLEYBALL CLUB” and mail payments, to be received by the club due dates. Mrs. Lin Johns Pitt United Treasurer 1029 Sandhurst Drive Moon Township, PA 15108

38. Pitt united handbookpayment responsibilities • Please note; coaches are not authorized to accept payments. All checks must sent to the clubs treasurer’s address or given to directly to the Club Director. Athletes may not be permitted to participate in any practices or tournaments if payments have not been received by the due dates. • All accounts must be paid in full by March 11th 2015 in order to participate in the remaining club-scheduled tournaments.

39. Pitt united handbookpayment responsibilities • Payments must be made on a timely basis in order for the club to function properly and the club expenses be paid. Uniforms and tournaments must be paid in full at the start of the season and practice facilities and coaches are paid on a monthly basis. • Additionally, a $20.00 late fee will be charged if the payment is not received within 3 days from the identified due date/s. If a personal check or a sponsor/ad check is returned for non-sufficient funds, the amount will still be owed to Pitt United Girls Volleyball Club. The NSF check will be returned to the player/parents, and the parents will be charged a $35.00 bank fee that will be added to the overall expenses still due.

40. Pitt united handbookCORRESPONDANCE WITH THE CLUB • Please include your daughter’s name and age group on all correspondence. This is especially important to include on a checks made for payments. Correspondence with the club and Club Director can be done in the following ways: • EMAIL: pittunitedvolleyball@gmail.com • PHONE/TEXT MESSAGING: 724.766.3180 (3:00pm-8: 00pm) • CLUB PAYMENT ADDRESS: Mrs. Lin Johns Pitt United Treasurer 1029 Sandhurst Drive Moon Township, PA 15108  • WEBSITE: www.pittunitedgirlsvolleyball.com

41. Pitt United Girls Volleyball Club Practices

42. The “Typical” Practice Week

43. December Practice Calendar • Please refer to your December Calendar print out of your scheduled practices. • Pitt United will post the final year calendar on the website at the conclusion of this week once KRVA tournament Registration’s are completed. • Tonight- 17s - Monroeville • Thursday- 15s - Monroeville

44. Pitt United Girls Volleyball Club Tournaments

47. Pitt United Girls Volleyball Club Tournament Philosophy

48. Tournament Philosophy • 14s- Every girl to play in every game at every tournament unless she is unable to participate due to maybe one of the following reasons: • Sick • Frequent absences from practices • Payment delinquencies

49. Tournament Philosophy • 15s, 16s, 17s- Every girl will participate in every match at every tournament. This does not guarantee every game. Because these teams are considered our “Competitive Travel Teams” the expectation is to go into all matches with the mindset and goal of competing at the highest level. Coaches will decide final lineups, subs, and rotations necessary to achieve this goal. • 18s- Every girl will participate in every match at every tournament. This does not guarantee every game. Coaches will decide final lineups, subs, and rotations necessary to achieve this goal.

50. Pitt United Girls Volleyball Club Questions???