Vol. 2, Issue #2 XCELlent NEWS 2015two-time Diablo Foothill Athletic League Most Valuable Player. Kelley will call New Haven, CT her new home in the summer after committing to play

Vol. 2, Issue #2

XCELlent NEWS 2015 Thweeeeet! Whistles Signal Opening of 2015 Club Season

In the News… • Thweeeeet! California

Kickoff Opens 2015 Season

• Jim Ross Speaks

• Coach’s Corner: A Message from Coach Andy

• Accolades Pour in for Xcel Players

• The Coaching Staff, Part II & 17s Roster

• A Dose of Double-Double Trouble

• Getting to Know: Isabella, Madison and E’lan

• Keys to Volleyball Greatness

• Coach Lucas Abbott: Dusting Off the Cobwebs

• The Do’s and Don’ts of College Recruiting

• Warm Up and Maturity: Evaluating a Player’s Potential

• Alums Rack Up Collegiate Awards

Xceleration Volleyball Club John B. David, Editor

California Kickoff – January 17-19, 2015 As the clocks were striking eight on a gray cloudy day in January, the referees’ whistles blew and signaled the “official” opening of the 2015 club volleyball season. The first toss of the ball in Santa Clara, San Jose, and San Mateo finally launched the tournament season for more than 130 Xceleration athletes from 11 teams, ages 13 through 18. They donned their spiffy new Xceleration jerseys for the first time to compete in the NCVA’s California Kickoff during the Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend.

For many, hope springs eternal as the opening games bring another season with high expectations on the court. For others, the sounds of whistles ringing throughout the convention halls signify a rebirth – everyone has a fresh start, every club team and their fans begin with 0-0 records.

The Kickoff serves as the early-season barometer for the team’s level of competiveness and, though records were kept, they again will be tossed out the window, keeping the team’s record unblemished.

The event allows the teams to tinker with different lineups to get a further gauge and assessment on its players before one of the

biggest events that we all are looking to – Power League Qualifiers (PLQs).

Club owner Jon Segall said, “I was very impressed with all the teams’ play during the weekend, and I’m looking forward to continue seeing the high level of enthusiasm and excitement from the girls during their

volleyball journey with Xceleration this season.”

Collectively, the club’s record was nearly at the .500 mark, which is an astounding accomplishment this early in the season. Some teams were already in mid-season form. A few others have a bit of work to do and will see better days ahead. Our coaches were able to identify the gaps that their respective teams need to work on in practice during the next few weeks, in preparation for PLQs.

As long as players continue to “up” their game in every single practice and in every single tournament, then they’ve already found success. If players keep getting better, keep improving, keep taking another step forward, then there’s a lot of good stuff to come.

Jim Ross Speaks… XCELlent News will regularly include topical, pertinent, and other important messages from club director Jim Ross. Here is the next in the series of Jim Ross Speaks... Dear Xceleration Families,

As we prepare ourselves for the upcoming Power League Qualifier, I wanted to take a moment to thank all of you for being a part of the club. Thank You players for continuing to practice hard, working on your skills, and for being good teammates. Thank You parents for getting your daughters to practices and supporting us so unselfishly. I have received such kind words from many of you and I am humbled and thankful. We love working with all of you and are looking forward to a wonderful season.

Thanks to our great staff of coaches for the work you have put in to date. Your teams look great and there are good days ahead. Thanks to my College Development co-directors Paul Harrison and Jack Cowden who have shared responsibilities with me to prepare the 17s and 18s for Las Vegas. 15s and 16s, we will be working with you shortly. Thanks to the Xceleration staff working in the background. John David on this wonderful newsletter and the website. Tomas Pineda with all the pictures and video that you see on the website and the Facebook page. Normie Pineda on the travel plans for Vegas, Colorado, Reno and Orlando (and hopefully New Orleans for JNs). Kim Borch on the billing and collection side of things. Team parents for all the planning and coordination. As team parents you are the ones who keep your teams operating smoothly and efficiently. You have all put in countless hours of work and I am so grateful to have you with us. You ALL have a hand in the success of this club and we would not be the club we are without ALL of you.

As Andy Schroeder says in his message to all of you on the next page, we are building something here. As owners, directors, coaches, parents, and staff we put in the work to give our players the opportunities to work on their games and improve as a volleyball player. Players, the rest is up to you. Take advantage of and embrace these opportunities by working hard at this sport that you love. I promise you that if you do so, your games will improve and you will have a fun and rewarding season.

Take advantage of the resources provided to you. Ed Jackson’s lessons have begun and are filling up fast. He is a great coach and it is a good chance for you to work with him and get those valuable extra reps. Mike Campbell has had some players sign up with him for personnel training and it WILL help them. As a volleyball player himself Mike can gear your workout to directly affect your performance on the court. Mike has given teams conditioning workouts. Please stay up with them. Don’t cheat! The College Development team has been meeting with families to give them a roadmap on how to prepare for opportunities at the college level. If you are a 16s–18s player, please contact them for a meeting. It works and the sooner you get started the better!

I look forward to watching you all play and to getting to know you over the course of the season.

Go XCEL!!! Jim

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Coach’s Corner: A Message from Coach Andy Xcel’s Coaching Director and 18Blue coach Andy Schroeder shares his team message to the club following Cal Kickoff.

Girls, you have worked very hard to put yourselves in a position to play with the competition that will be before us shortly. But there is still a lot of work to be done and we will not rest and we will not hide. We want to play the best teams out there and show them how hard we have worked and continue to work. We will continue the journey and work on the many skills that we have identified as opportunities to get better. We were very proud of all our players this weekend, as everyone contributed in big ways. It’s always great to see the hard work that’s put in during the past weeks validate itself during competition. We think it started to show at the California Kickoff.

This time of year, on the 18Blue team, we always try to provide our team with an analogy or perspective point that we can refer to when the intensity of the competition rises. Over the next few weeks/months we will play the very best this country has to offer as we play in the PLQ, Vegas, and finally Colorado. We will take them one by one and try to stay “In the Eye of the Hurricane”…

Understanding this analogy will serve all of you players well, your team well, and help us to focus on the task at hand of serving each other, rather than getting caught up in some of the distractions that can pull teams from finding the best version of themselves. The eye of the hurricane is the calmest part of the storm. Also in the eye, there is hardly any wind, if any, but just outside of the eye is the most violent part of it, and it has the harshest winds.

We are trying to build in how important training is to become a better volleyball athlete! Please embrace this as a player and parents please encourage your daughter on how absolutely important this is for long-term health and to becoming a better player. You need to be going through all your workouts focused and hard to adequately prepare yourself for the next test.

Best to all, Andy

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PHOTO GALLERIES Thank you to Tomas Pineda for the great action shots of our athletes.

Thank you also to Aaron Bartlett for the wonderful 14Blue photos.

4 their field to a select group of exceptional players who rose above and beyond and had tremendous high school seasons. Xceleration was able to snag seven of them to play for the club this season.

Leading the way, Cal-Hi Sports Bay Area, in its December 14 broadcast, announced that Kelley Wirth of the 18Blue as its 2014 NCS Volleyball Player of the Year! Kelley also led the Campolindo Cougars to an NCS Division III final appearance, and she concluded her senior season as the two-time Diablo Foothill Athletic League Most Valuable Player. Kelley will call New Haven, CT her new home in the summer after committing to play collegiately for the Yale Bulldogs. In the meantime, we are excited to see Kelley on the courts with the 18Blue this season.

The Contra Costa Times newspaper group then followed with its year-ending wrap up of the high school season and named Lo Utchen, setter for the 18Blue, as the East Bay Girls Volleyball Player of the Year! Lo capped her high school career as an East Bay Athletic League and NCS champion with the Monte Vista Mustangs. Lo was also named the 2014 EBAL MVP.

Accolades Pour In for Xcel Players There is an idiom that most of us are familiar with – when it rains, it pours – which usually means that when things go wrong, a lot of things go wrong at the same time, or that if a person encounters bad luck, more bad luck will follow. But this certainly was not the case for Xceleration fans! Recently for its members it meant that when year-end achievements and recognition came around, boundless others surely followed – and they just kept on coming!

After 27 members of Xceleration teams were recognized by their respective leagues on their All-League teams, Cal-Hi Sports Bay Area and the Contra Costa Times further narrowed

Above: Cal-Hi Sports Bay Area named 18Blue’s Kelley Wirth as its 2014 NCS Volleyball Player of the Year! Kelley is also a two-time Diablo Foothill Athletic Conference Most Valuable Player. She will attend Yale after the club season. The Contra Costa Times named Lo Utchen as the East Bay Girls Volleyball Player of the Year after earning EBAL MVP honors. Both are also MaxPreps All-Americans.

PRACTICE & TRAINING LOCATIONS

Bladium Sports Complex 800 W. Tower Avenue, Bldg 40

Alameda, CA 94501

Concord Facility 3911 Laura Alice Way

Concord, CA 94520

Laney College 900 Fallon St.

Oakland, CA 94607

Oak Park Christian 2073 Oak Park Blvd.

Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

PERSONAL TRAINING SESSIONS

Part of being a great athlete is maintaining fitness. Here are a few resources that can help. Coach Mike Campbell of the 18White is offering personal training sessions to Xceleration club members. He is already working with some of our athletes.

If you are committed to adding strength, agility, and flexibility to your game, please get in touch with Coach Mike directly via email or telephone at (925) 330-8855. Check out his website.

2015 PRIVATE LESSONS

Xceleration will be offering several private lessons at our Concord Facility to anyone who wants to elevate their game. These optional sessions will be conducted by Coach Ed Jackson.

Payment is due to the coach at the end of your lesson. You will NOT be billed by the club. Send an email Jim Ross to schedule an appointment.

1 Girl $50/hour, 2 Girls $70/hour, 3 Girls $90/hour, 4 or more $25/hour/girl 2015 Schedule Feb 7 10 AM-2 PM Feb 21 10 AM-2 PM Feb 28 12 PM-3 PM Mar 7 10 AM-6 PM Mar 14 10 AM-2 PM Mar 21 10 AM-12 PM Mar 28 10 AM-6 PM Apr 4 1 PM-4 PM Apr 11 2 PM-6 PM Apr 25 10 AM-2 PM May 2 10 AM-6 PM

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2014 ALL-EAST BAY SELECTIONS Congratulations to the following players for being recognized on the All-East Bay teams by the Contra Costa Times newspaper group.

Player Team School League

DORA BEILIN 18Blue Berkeley West Alameda County-Foothill NATALIE BROOKER 18Blue Monte Vista East Bay Athletic League MOLLY DALZIEL 18Blue Acalanes Diablo Foothill Athletic League HAILEY LINDBERG 18Blue Monte Vista East Bay Athletic League LAUREN UTCHEN* 18Blue Monte Vista East Bay Athletic League KELLEY WIRTH 18Blue Campolindo Diablo Foothill Athletic League TAYLOR DIXON 17Blue Liberty Bay Valley Athletic League * Player of the Year.

“All the girls on the team have really been looking forward to going out with a bang for their senior years, the last hurrah kind of thing,” Lo Utchen said.

The Mustangs swept rival San Ramon Valley in the NCS Division I final, after sweeping Heritage in the semifinals.

In addition to ripping 40 mph serves, Utchen was also adept at setting up four primary hitters with different ranges and tempos.

“She’s the most purely talented player I have ever coached,” said Monte Vista coach J.J. Gearhart-Utchen, Lo’s mother. “Her years on the beach and playing every indoor position except middle, which she has done in practice, has given her incredible vision and anticipation. She’s a human highlight reel, really.”

Mother and daughter are true competitors, but in different ways.

Continued on the next page

Championship Year is a Wrap East Bay Girls Volleyball Player of the Year: Lo Utchen, Monte Vista By Matt Schwab Monte Vista High setter Lo Utchen and the rest of the Mustangs’ strong senior class finished their high school careers in grand style.

Utchen led the Mustangs to their first East Bay Athletic League title in 18 years and their first North Coast Section crown in 19 years. Along the way, she was named the EBAL MVP.

Her outstanding play this season has warranted her selection as the East Bay Player of the Year in girls volleyball.

A versatile team leader, she amassed 946 assists, 320 service points, 213 digs and 77 blocks this season.

MaxPreps 2014 All-Americans LO UTCHEN, Monte Vista, Danville, 5-7, Sr., Third Team All-Around

Utchen, a setter and the East Bay Area League MVP, was a floor leader for the 30-7 team, finishing with 69 aces, 77 blocks, 213 digs, and 946 assists.

KELLEY WIRTH, Campolindo, Moraga, 6-0, Sr., Second Team OH, Medium Schools Wirth, a two-time Diablo Foothill Athletic League MVP, had 648 kills, 37 blocks and 146 digs as the Cougars were 29-9. She will attend Yale.

Source: MaxPreps, Inc.

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FACEBOOK GROUP PAGE Xceleration has a group page! Join our Facebook fan page and participate in the discussion forum where you’ll hear about our athletes and various ongoing events. Search for “Xceleration Volleyball Club” and ask to join.

XCELERATION WEBSITE

Who, what, where, when and how? Our club’s philosophy, frequently asked questions, photo galleries, team and player information, practice and tournament schedules, and information on our College Development Program are just some of the few things you can find on our website at: www.xcelerationvbc.com

OTHER USEFUL LINKS

Advanced Event Systems Colorado Crossroads Core Motion Athletics Las Vegas Classic NCVA

“I think she’s more ‘intense competitive,’ and I’m more ‘low-key competitive,” Lo Utchen said.

Lo described her role as keeping everyone focused, accountable and pushing themselves. Plus, she knew just when to lighten the mood.

“Her sense of humor is legendary – she cracked us up many times in the huddle,” the coach said.

Coach of the Year

JJ GEARHART-UTCHEN, Monte Vista – Utchen, in her fifth year with the program, guided the Mustangs to the NCS Division I title – their first section crown since 1995 – and the EBAL championship – their first league title since 1996. The Mustangs, who were 10-24 overall and lost all 14 league games her first season, were 30-7 overall and 13-1 in the EBAL this year. Utchen has previously coached San Ramon Valley and UC Davis men’s and women’s teams. She’s been a mentor coach for USA Volleyball and works for USA High Performance.

Reprint courtesy of Contra Costa Times, December 17, 2014.

All-East Bay Girls Volleyball Capsules By Matt Schwab First Team (Partial List)

LO UTCHEN, Monte Vista, Sr. – Utchen, a setter and the EBAL MVP, was a floor leader and polished competitor, finishing with 320 service points, 77 blocks, 213 digs, and 946 assists.

DORA BEILIN, Berkeley, Sr. – The outside hitter was the WACC Foothill League Player of the Year and led the Yellowjackets with 473 kills and 255 digs, along with 284 service points and 26 assists.

HAILEY LINDBERG, Monte Vista, Sr. – The tall, rangy middle blocker/opposite emerged as a top-flight player, leading the Mustangs with 203 kills to go with 193 service aces and 74 blocks.

KELLEY WIRTH, Campolindo, Sr. – Two-time DFAL MVP, the Yale-bound player had 648 kills, 37 blocks and 146 digs.

Second Team (Partial List)

NATALIE BROOKER, Monte Vista, Sr. MOLLY DALZIEL, Acalanes, Sr. Third Team (Partial List)

TAYLOR DIXON, Liberty, Jr.

Prepvolleyball has released its 2015 Pre-Season 17s and 18s National Club Rankings and recognized Xceleration 18Blue and 17Blue on its Honorable Mention list. The pre-season rankings are a prediction of where teams will be at the end of the season, not what have happened to date. Expectations are high and the teams are more than capable of exceeding it! Congratulations, 18Blue and 17Blue!

The Coaching Staff, Part II / 17Blue Here is the second part of the series featuring our coaching staff and their rosters.

TODD TRAVIS, 17Blue Head Coach

A Lafayette native, Todd returns for his 2nd season with Xceleration, having guided last year’s 17Blue team to a spot in the Junior Nationals.

Todd played volleyball collegiately at UC Santa Barbara, where during his senior season the team reached the finals of the Men’s D-1 NCAA Championships and finished second in the nation. After graduating from UCSB, Todd was an assistant coach with the UCSB women’s volleyball team under legendary coach Kathy Gregory.

Todd is currently in his 2nd season as the Head Coach at Acalanes HS in Lafayette. He continues to play volleyball on the beach where

he is an AAA-rated player. Todd is also a full-time special education teacher at Miramonte HS in Orinda.

MARIAH CHRISTENSEN, 17Blue Assistant Coach

After being a setter on the 2009 Xceleration 18Blue team that attended the Junior Nationals in Miami, Mariah now returns for her 5th season as a coach in the program, having assisted with the 14White, 15Blue, 16White, and 16Blue teams the past four seasons.

Mariah attended Holy Names University and was the starting setter on their volleyball team for all four seasons. Prior to playing at Xceleration, she played for the Davis VBC. Mariah attended Rodriquez High School, where she was an all-league performer in her last two seasons and led the Mustangs into the San Joaquin Section playoffs. A true “student” of the game, Mariah is excited about teaching the game she loves.

Coach Todd Travis

Coach Mariah Christensen

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2015 17Blue Roster Player # Ht. Pos. School

DAIANA TAKASHIMA 1 5’7” L/DS College Prep, Oakland EMILY FABIAN 2 5’6” S Miramonte, Orinda CALISTA LAM 4 5’6” DS/OH Acalanes, Lafayette KAYLA SHERMAN 7 6’2” OH Freedom, Oakley EDEN FUKUSHIMA 8 5’7” S Benicia LIZZIE FABIAN 9 5’6” L/DS Miramonte, Orinda HALLE WEBSTER 11 6’0” MB St. Patrick-St. Vincent, Vallejo ASHLEY DIXON 12 5’11” MB/OPP Liberty, Brentwood SAM McGRATH 13 5’3” DS Bishop O’Dowd, Oakland TAYLOR DIXON 14 6’0” OH Liberty, Brentwood GABBI HEITMANN 15 5’10” OPP/OH Las Lomas, Walnut Creek MORGAN BURROUGHS 17 5’10” OPP/OH Monte Vista, Danville

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A Dose of Double-Double Trouble, DDT OK, you’ve heard the rumors, wondered what it was, maybe even felt a little left out of the loop. What is a Double-Double Trouble, or DDT? It is neither an item from In-N-Out’s Secret Menu, nor something that will rumble in your gut after having one too many of their delectable two-burger patties with animal style fries, nor is it a toxic compound that keeps bugs away! A dose of DDT of the Xceleration variety is something that opponents of the 17Blue will have to face at every volleyball competition – Lizzie and Emily Fabian and Ashley and Taylor Dixon – two sets of twins that can be as deadly on the courts.

It is said that twins start out their existence as womb mates. With a bond like that, it should come as no surprise that later they become playmates, roommates and, in this case, teammates. With two sets of twins on the 17Blue, opponents will be seeing “double” when the foursome takes the court.

The Fabian girls, juniors at Miramonte High School in Orinda, are in their fourth year playing for Xceleration, and the Dixons, also juniors at Liberty High School in Brentwood, are entering their first season with Xceleration. Emily and Lizzie have always played on the same team ever since they picked up a volleyball in grade school. Ashley and Taylor,

on the other hand, have only played together three times before joining Xceleration (in their first year of club volleyball in middle school and for two years at Liberty).

For the first time, they join forces to make a formidable quartet as you may even see all of them competing on the same court at any given time. The foursome will confront the competition from different directions. While Emily may be handling the setting duties, her “older” sister Lizzie may be patrolling the back row as one of the team’s liberos/ defensive specialists. Ashley and Taylor will lead the attack from the front. Ashley, the older of the Dixons by a scant 60 seconds, is one of the team’s middles/opposites and may stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Taylor, an outside hitter for the 17Blue.

One of a Kind Many sets of twins become impassioned with the same sport. They partner up, or they face off against each other. As fans, we are intrigued. We often wonder if they can anticipate one another’s moves. Is one dominant over the other? Do they feel one another’s pain? While we may never be let in on such answers, one thing is for sure: history has churned out a number of twin siblings with notable careers in sports, but this is a first for Xcel having two sets of twins on the same team. Though it is only natural to see if they are coordinated and in sync on the court, and wonder if they communicate with some sort of secret twin telepathy, you won’t have much luck. Ashley, Taylor, Lizzie, and Emily are as different as anyone else and have very little in common.

Continued on the next page

ONE THING PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU?

I’m gluten-free!

~ Lizzie Fabian I like to draw a lot. ~ Emily Fabian

I have four broken bones.

~ Taylor Dixon

People think I’m really shy. I’m really outgoing when I get to know you.

~ Ashley Dixon

Then… Left photo: Ashley (in pink) gives Taylor (in blue) a pat on the head.

Right photo: Despite the boo-boo on her forehead, Emily comforts Lizzie with a loving hug.

Photos courtesy of Leslie Dixon and Hilary Fabian.

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Other than being born to Jon and Leslie Dixon in Pleasanton in the spring of 1998, having an older and a younger brother, and both wanting to become elementary school teachers, Ashley and Taylor have different passions, interests, and favorites.

Taylor said, “First, we’re fraternal. I have green eyes, Ashley has brown eyes. I am super organized, Ashley is more clustered. I like to read or watch Gossip Girl when I’m not playing volleyball, Ashley likes to go shopping when she’s not on the court.”

To which Ashley replied, “Taylor is taller and also played basketball, we both have different taste in clothes, we fight a lot, and we have different fond childhood memories – for me, I always remember the first time we went to Disneyland when we were three years old; Taylor’s favorite memory is going to my grandma’s house with me and my cousins and putting on our mom’s and aunt’s old prom dresses.”

Both agreed that there are certain advantages of having a twin – you will always have a best friend and will always have someone there you can talk to or share stories with. Taylor recalled a match in which she was supposed to run a “2” [a ball is set to the middle hitter] and said, “Ashley forgot, so she was in the way, and I knocked her down and she ended up under the net on the other side of the court.” According to Ashley, “Taylor tripped me on the court.” Nonetheless, they both thought it was funny and was a sight to see. “You had to be there.”

In joining Xceleration this year, Ashley and Taylor look forward to helping the 17Blue achieve success during the season and add to their volleyball memories. Recently, Ashley received the Coaches Award at Liberty, a Second Team All-League selection from the Bay Valley Athletic League (BVAL), and the BVAL Sportsmanship Award. Taylor was a BVAL First Team All-League selection and a Contra Costa Times All-East Bay Third Team honoree, which came on the heels of a memorable gold medal performance at Junior Nationals in Minneapolis with her club team last season.

Ashley said, “I really like the 17Blue coaches and players. Everyone works hard in practice and my coaches have taught me a lot so far.” Taylor followed, “I agree with Ashley,

everyone is hard working and motivated. Our teammates play hard every practice and want to get better.”

Enjoying Life with Sis When Hilary and Joe Fabian decided to expand their family after having two young boys, little did they know that they would get a 2-for-1 surprise 17 years ago when Lizzie arrived, followed by her twin sister Emily six minutes later. Ever since then, Lizzie and Emily have been permanent best friends and inseparable that you might even think they’re conjoined – playing volleyball together on the same team since the 5th grade, spending time outdoors playing all kinds of sports or in the backyard having tons of fun with their siblings, and bonding with their volleyball teammates during overnight tournaments and team parties, which both indicated as what they enjoy most being on their Xceleration teams during the last three years. They look forward to adding to their wonderful memories with the 17Blue in their fourth season with the club. Hilary said, “My girls are pumped about their team and for the season.”

In some ways, Lizzie and Emily share the same interests. They like to go skiing in Lake Tahoe’s white powder, hanging out with the same group of friends, getting a caffeine fix at Starbucks, listening to country music, and of course, having a great passion for volleyball and Xceleration. “I love how Xcel is so family-oriented, and all of the coaches and staff are so kind,” said Lizzie. Coming from a close-knit family, it’s not a surprise to hear that the “family” is at the core of the conversation with Emily as well. She said, “I love the family that comes with Xceleration. I truly feel at home and I wouldn’t want to be playing volleyball anywhere else. Every single coach I have ever had has been amazing, and everyone has been nothing but supportive. I am truly thankful for all that Xcel has done for me and I couldn’t be happier.”

Similar to Ashley and Taylor’s tale, the Fabians also have plenty of differences. Lizzie has braces at the moment and Emily is taller, which are dead giveaways to tell them apart. Lizzie also pointed out that Emily likes to go on runs every day or go

… And Now Top photo: Taylor and Ashley strike a pose before their match at the Cal Kickoff.

Bottom photo: Emily and Lizzie flash their smiles for the camera.

Photos courtesy of Tomas Pineda.

Favorite Place to Go on Vacation

Favorite Actor/ Actress

Favorite Food Favorite TV Show Favorite Movie Favorite Musical

Artist

Ashley

Taylor

Emily

Lizzie

I’m into all kinds of music

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to the gym, which she really hates. “We also don’t like the same type of foods,” said Emily. “We have different tastes in music, we have different hobbies, and we don’t have the same style of clothes, although we do wear the same outfit some days just to give people a hard time,” she said with a giggle.

Having a twin may also bring funny awkward moments. Lizzie recounted how her boyfriend at the time thought she was Emily, only to correct him quickly. “The only time that I really pretend to be Emily is when people call me Emily. I think it’s awkward pointing it out when people call me the wrong name.” Being twins, the duo also experimented if they can “punk” anyone. They switched classes in 8th grade. “It failed!” Emily said emphatically.

In the near future, the inevitable will come when Lizzie, Emily, Ashley, and Taylor will part ways, to go to college, for instance. Their play dates and sleepovers every day will end, but they will always be sisters and the best of friends even if they are separated.

While Lizzie would like to go to Long Beach State or Oregon State to pursue her interest in interior design, Emily is unsure yet where or what she wants to study, saying “I probably would go somewhere out of state and somewhere warm, so that may rule out both of Lizzie’s choices. But who knows where we

Mexico-Cabo Disneyland

Lake Don Pedro

end up.”

Wherever the road leads from here, the Fabians and the Dixons will certainly have messages for each other before saying their goodbyes. “I would tell Liz to keep being herself; everyone seems to love her, so I wouldn’t want her changing one bit. And probably to stay focused on school,” said Emily with a wry wink.

Lizzie replied, “I figured she would say that. I would tell her to not worry about me. Emily tends to do that a lot! I would also tell her that she’s such a fun person to be around, and she shouldn’t be nervous meeting new people.”

Hoping to attend Cal State East Bay someday, Ashley said, “I hope Taylor keeps in touch with me. I would tell her to remember that everyone makes mistakes (she is really hard on herself), and to work her butt off to achieve all her goals and dreams.”

“I would tell Ashley to work hard, stay strong, and don’t be nervous,” said Taylor. ”Most important to make sure she keeps in touch with me so that I can always know what she is doing.”

Now, you’re in the loop and you’ve been warned. Watch out for Xceleration’s DDT!

WHAT DO THE FABIANS AND THE DIXONS HAVE IN COMMON? NOT MANY…

When sisters stand shoulder to shoulder, who stands a chance against us? ~Pam Brown

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As the club continues its volleyball journey throughout the club season, we caught up with three players to get to know them better.

Getting to Know: Isabella Estrada

XCELlent News: What is the difference between you as a player last year compared to this year? Isabella Estrada: Last year, I cared more about doing things quickly rather than actually thinking everything out and learning from my mistakes.

XN: How did you prepare in the off-season for another year with Xceleration? IE: I played volleyball for my high school.

XN: What was your first impression of your coach when you met him? IE: Manny is my coach in Xcel and I thought he seemed really down to earth, and he knew a lot.

XN: What does your perfect day look like? IE: Getting to stay in my pajamas and watch Netflix and eat pizza with my best friend.

XN: University or life experience, which do you feel best prepares you for life? IE: I think it has to be a combination. Higher education provides the reasons for things, and everyday events give us hands-on experience.

XN: Do you have any hidden talents? IE: Yes. I play the flute.

XN: What would be your dream job? IE: I would love to be a traveling journalist.

XN: What do you think the secret to a good life is? IE: To find what makes you genuinely happy and to not let go of it.

Isabella Estrada 15Gold

Getting to Know: Madison Kiepen XN: What is the difference between you as a player last year compared to this year? Madison Kiepen: This year I'm working a lot harder in practice and I have improved MUCH more so far this year already.

XN: How did you prepare in the off-season for another year with Xceleration? MK: I am a swimmer in the summer, and I also played beach volleyball and in high school.

XN: What was your first impression of your coaches when you met them? MK: I thought they were going be intense and they have helped me a lot with everything.

XN: What do you hope to accomplish this year with Xceleration? MK: I hope to become more consistent in passing and I’m going to focus a lot on reading the hitter.

XN: What song would you say best sums you up? MK: Happy

XN: If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would you meet at Starbucks for a cup of coffee? MK: Beyoncé

XN: If your house was on fire and you can only grab three things before leaving, what would they be? MK: Dog, teddy bear, and photo album.

XN: What is your favorite childhood memory? MK: Sledding in a gutter in the winter with tons of snow.

XN: If you could have one wish granted, what would it be? MK: Have superpowers.

Continued on the next page

Madison Kiepen 16Blue

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Getting to Know: E’lan Riter XN: What is the difference between you as a player last year compared to this year?

E’lan Riter: Last year I was not as focused about my future as this year. I am taking volleyball more seriously as a part of my life and future that I really care about.

XN: What was your first impression of your coach when you met her? How has she helped you grow as a player? ER: My first thought was “Wow, she’s a good coach!” My Dad and I knew that Shannon was going to be a great coach at the first practice. She has us thinking, writing and working hard.

XN: What do you hope to accomplish this year with Xceleration? ER: My goal is to grow from just a good all-around player to a person that my team can look up to as a leader, an inspiration.

XN: What do you hope people say about you? ER: My closest friends say that I am a rare, “real” friend. I hope people say that I am a good person.

XN: Are you related or distantly related to anyone famous? ER: Yes! The founders of the Bank of America (Bacigalupis with the Bank of Italy), James Marshall from the California Gold Rush, and somehow our Bacigalupi name stems from the stories of Romulus and Remus, founders of Rome.

XN: If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would you meet at Starbucks for a cup of coffee? ER: Cleopatra or Doris Day.

XN: What three items would you take with you on a deserted island? ER: My best blanket, Ukelele, and a saw.

XN: What is your favorite childhood memory? ER: When my brother was born I got to dress up in a pink ballerina outfit and push him down the hall at the hospital.

XN: Who would you want to play you in a movie of your life? ER: Blake Lively or Jennifer Aniston

XN: University or life experience, which do you feel best prepares you for life? ER: College will, but also trips without my parents where I have to take care of myself to succeed.

XN: If you could witness any event past, present or future, what would it be? ER: Pompeii before Vesuvius erupts.

XN: If you could be any fictional character, who would you choose? ER: Indiana Jones

XN: What do you think the greatest invention is in your lifetime and why? ER: Portable speakers... because I love music.

XN: If you could have one wish granted, what would it be? ER: For everyone to find happiness.

XN: What do you think the secret to a good life is? ER: Doing what makes you happy and not caring so much about what others think of you.

Getting to Know: Madison Kiepen, continued

XN: Do you have any hidden talents? MK: I can make killer mac-n-cheese.

XN: What would be your dream job? MK: Sports medicine doctor for the SF Giants

XN: What do you think the secret to a good life is? MK: Don’t worry, be happy.

XN: Tell us something you hate doing. MK: Going to the orthodontist and when people touch their necks and their Adam’s Apple and scratch their necks; it gives me the shivers.

E’lan Riter 16White

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15Blue Coach Lucas Abbott shook off the rust and inserted himself into the lineup of the NCVA’s professional men’s volleyball team, NorCal Premier, at the San Mateo Event Center during the Boy’s Far Western tournament in early January.

Now in the assistant coaching role with NorCal Premier, Coach Lucas became a player once again in a scrimmage game to help out the team with a thinning roster beset by injuries. Coach Lucas performed well and is still in good shape – he blocked and killed overhead smashes to outplay many of the younger players.

Look for Coach Lucas to don his NorCal Premier uniform from time to time in tournaments throughout the season.

Boom! Shakalaka! Right photos: Coach Lucas is still the monster in the middle, playing in a scrimmage game for NorCal Premier in the USA Premier Volleyball League (PVL) during the Boy’s Far Western tournament. The PVL is a grass roots professional volleyball league that began in 2012. It is made up of teams from among of the 40 regional volleyball associations across North America. The USA PVL is sanctioned by USA Volleyball and offers tournament play and a League Championship event each year.

Photos courtesy of Tomas Pineda.

Keys to Volleyball Greatness With help from some of the sharpest minds in the game, VolleyballUSA has assembled a collection of wise words to guide you through the club season. XCELlent News will share them with you in future issues.

“The most important contact in the game is the one you are making or about to make. Once you make it, it immediately becomes the least important, and all your attention needs to be directed at your next contact.” – Doug Beal, coach of 1984 men’s Olympic gold-medal team

“Erase the last play from your mind, whether it was good or bad. It does you no good to dwell on a mistake or continue relishing a great kill or block you just made. Reset your focus and look ahead to the next play.” – VolleyballUSA staff

“Learn to read the game: By watching not just the ball but the people acting on it as well, the game will become easier and you will improve more quickly.” – Hugh McCutcheon, University of Minnesota women’s coach, former coach of U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Teams

“Be a competitor. Do everything you can physically, mentally, and emotionally to beat your opponent on the next play as often as you possibly can.” – John Dunning, women’s coach at Stanford

“Tackle the stuff you’re not so good at. There’s nothing wrong with practicing a skill you do well, but don’t shy away from putting in extra time on something that you struggle with. Initially, it’s an uncomfortable feeling because you’re working on something that doesn’t come naturally to you, but in the long run it will boost your confidence to conquer the tough stuff – and it will make you a better volleyball player.” – VolleyballUSA staff

Dusting Off the Cobwebs

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Make a list of 15 preferred schools. Complete the student-athlete questionnaire and player profile. Do your research on NCAA and NAIA schools and get on the coaches’ list. Keep the communications going. These are just some of the key messages that Xceleration’s college development directors – Jim Ross, Jack Cowden, and Paul Harrison – imparted at the College Development Workshop held in early December.

If you are one of the lucky volleyball players who can touch 10’2”, or a setter with incredible hands and size, then the hardest thing you will have in the recruiting process is narrowing down your choices of where to play. Coaches will be talking to your club and high school coaches without any coaxing from you or anyone else. If you are one of those players, you are a select few.

For the remaining 95 percent of girls playing volleyball who wish to try playing in college, getting college coaches to take a look at you takes one of two things: LUCK – you happen to be playing and a coach just happens to be walking by, or EFFORT. Effort on your part, your parent’s part and anyone else who can, or is willing to, help you.

The College Development directors at Xceleration are here to help you, your parents, and your coaches with these efforts. They will give you direction on what you need to do to help yourself get noticed by the schools you want to get noticed by. They will follow through with you and these schools to give you the best chance for this to happen. They will give you examples of how to do this, meet with you on how to do this, and follow up to see if it is being done.

College Development Workshop Outlines the Do’s and Don’ts of College Recruiting

To young female volleyball players thinking about playing in college, the most important thing (after your physical dedication to the game itself) is the process of giving yourself OPTIONS. If you are not sure about playing in college, you owe it to yourself to at least go through the process to give yourself the option of making an informed decision when you get to that point. Don’t ever assume that you can’t play, but rather understand that with hard work and by following our process, the right “fit” might just materialize for you.

Our college development team is not here to assure that every girl plays in college. They will be honest with your and your parents about your abilities now, your ability going forward, and what the outlook might be for you. There are more opportunities out there for girls to play college volleyball than you know, if you are willing to explore them.

At the workshop, other useful information included a list of recommended websites to aid in the process, a timeline of activities to follow from your freshman to your senior year in high school, a summary of recruiting rules (do’s and don’ts), a checklist of “to do” items, sample college letters, and tips on filming, just to name a few.

If you missed the workshop, send an email to Jim Ross to get a copy of the College Development Program handout, or if you have any questions about the program. Xceleration looks forward to working with you in taking your game to the next level.

The cameras are always on and coaches are always watching. Everything begins with attitude, even during warm-ups. Do your research and get on the coaches’ list.

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A coach can tell a lot about a player just in the five-minute warm up at a tournament. What coaches are looking for is the player who prepares mentally and physically to win the set. Oftentimes the team does a few common things to warm up. They start with passing and progress into setting and eventually a full pepper with some type of variation or progression. After a couple of minutes, team captains are asked by the referee to join them in preparation for the match. During this time college coaches will stand courtside or one court over to see what a player is doing in the warm up. Is he/she casually warming up or taking the warm up seriously to prepare to compete? What coaches need on every team is the player that competes to win and uses every opportunity to prepare for a win.

I’ll give you a true example. Nine months ago a player came to me about the recruiting process. After evaluating her, I immediately called a long-time friend and NCAA Division I coach that I knew was in need of a middle blocker for the 2010 season. Over the phone we discussed the player and the coach made arrangements to fly to Texas to watch this senior play in a home game during the high school season. Within 5-6 minutes of warm up the coach leaned to me and said this trip was worth it, and we are going to make an offer. The coach had not even seen the middle play and only had time to watch the player warm up and go through six or seven swings at the net. She could see the work ethic and potential in the warm up and that scholarship offer was accepted after an official visit was made by the player.

Coaches are looking for the players who communicate and drive to make those around her better. We all know the importance of leadership and the ability to communicate on the court in relationship to winning. Communication is key even in warm up. Coaches are also looking for ball control, mechanics, and movement. When it comes to ball control, are they passing with intention or going through the motions? Is the player balanced when they set and are they quick to move to the ball? Do they hustle after the ball

Warm Up and Maturity Are Keys for Evaluating a Player’s Potential

that is sent five feet further, or do they just let it drop and pick back up again? In hitting lines, is the player quick to swing and taking the ball at a high point and hitting angles? Is the setter quick to think about the next play and having a consistent location on the ball? Is the libero hustling after the ball with intention to play the ball? Work ethic and potential can all be seen in a warm up. There are several times that college coaches might be going to a specific court to watch a player but see something that really catches their eye in a warm up and they will literally stop and see what a player has to offer. Coaches are always on the lookout for that player that is the difference maker, leader, and one who desires to win.

Usually after a warm up, a team gathers on its side to listen to the lineup and what the coaches have to offer in terms of strategy. This is the time college coaches are looking to see if a player is engaged with the team and looking in the eyes of the coach while he or she is communicating. Being engaged is extremely important for the success of the team, and it also shows the maturity level of a player who has intent of winning. During a set, there are oftentimes a player who is in the recruiting process will have to sit out for several points or even an entire set. This doesn’t mean that the college coach is no longer going to be recruiting that player. Parents oftentimes panic if things aren’t perfect or playing time is altered in some form or fashion. This is a natural reaction for most players and parents. The absolute worst thing a parent or player can do is start worrying during a set about the recruiting side of the game. All things turn out usually for the best in most cases and just because a player sits out doesn’t mean they lost their chance or a coach won’t evaluate the player. The coaches will also see how a player reacts to situations, such as sitting the bench or a change in pattern. Is the player on the sideline talking and engaged with the team

Continued on the next page

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or arms folded and not vocal? Does the player hustle in at a timeout and engage with the coach or does he/she walk slowly to the huddle to hear what the coach says. Is the player engaging with team members and telling them what shots are open, or has the change in play time gotten the player down? This is a crucial side to teamwork that often fails when players think their value to the team no longer exist. It really is never the case until a player allows the playtime to become personal and negative. As a coach, I have never looked down the bench of players and put someone back in the game who is not engaged for the success of the team. If I have a player that I pull for some reason and they are at the bench with their hands on their knees encouraging the team and communicating during and between plays, then my confidence in that player stays extremely high and the chance of the player returning to the game stays high. If the player becomes selfish and takes it personal and is quiet, there is absolutely zero chance he/she will see the floor the rest of the day.

Coaches can see so much in a player during warm up and intense play situations. They want the player who drives to compete, prepares mentally and physically with one thing in mind, and that is to win. Anyone can pass a ball, set a ball, or attack the ball. Coaches are looking for the maturity level and the drive to win on every touch of the ball. It can all be seen in the small things, so warm up with intention and always take the high road when faced with a challenge. It can make a difference in the recruiting process. ~ Jenny Krueger, Austin Performance.

January 31-February 1

13s: San Mateo Event Center

16s: Cal Expo, Sacramento

17s: Moscone Convention Center, North Hall

18s: Moscone Convention Center, North Hall

February 7-8

14s: Cal Expo, Sacramento

15s: Sacramento Convention Center

Up Next: PLQs

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Alums Rack Up 2014 Season-Ending Awards Xceleration had many reasons to celebrate after the nation’s collegiate conferences announced their season-ending awards. Several of club’s distinguished alumni excelled and had outstanding performances and were recognized for their efforts in 2014. Congratulations to all!

Maddie Borch , Cabrillo College

• California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) All-Tournament Team

• All-State NorCal 1st Team • All-Coast Conference 1st Team • Delta Classic All-Tournament Team • CCCAA State Champion Runner-Up Audrey Breitweiser, Claremont-Mudd-Scripps • Southern California Intercollegiate

Athletic Conference (SCIAC) Volleyball All-Conference 1st Team

• NCAA Division III American Coaches Volleyball Association (ACVA) All-West Region 1st Team

• NCAA Division III ACVA Honorable Mention All-American

Emily Caples, University of Dallas • Southern Collegiate Athletic

Conference (SCAC) 2nd Team (Caples has earned recognition on the all-conference second team three-straight years.)

Arianna Cruz, San Francisco State University • Gator Volleyball Athlete of the Week,

September 2014

Bryanna Davis, LaSalle University • Iona Invitational All-Tournament Team Michaela Gardner, Ashford University • Association of Independent Institutions

(AII) Freshman of the Year • AII All-Conference 1st Team • Spotlight Saint, September 2014

Tyler Gasologa, Cabrillo College • All-State NorCal 1st Team • All-Coast Conference 1st Team • Delta Classic All-Tournament Team • CCCAA State Champion Runner-Up Shannon Riggio-Kerley, Dominican University of California • PacWest Freshman of the Week, October

2014 Anisa Smith, UMass-Lowell • Riverhawk of the Week, October 2014 Audrey Utchen, Washington College • Centennial Conference Academic Honor

Roll • Gettysburg Battlefield Classic All-

Tournament Team

Maddie Borch & Tyler Gasologa

Top: Arianna Cruz, Bryanna Davis and Michaela Gardner.

Right: Audrey Utchen, Anisa Smith, Audrey Breitweiser and Shannon Riggio-Kerley.

Emily Caples

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XCELERATION VOLLEYBALL 552 Maureen Lane

Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

Club Owner & Founder Jon Segall

Club Director &

College Development Director Jim Ross

Coaching Director Andy Schroeder

College Development

Directors Jack Cowden Paul Harrison

2015 PRACTICE SCHEDULES Through season-ending tournament. 13BLUE Mon/Wed 6:00 PM-7:45 PM (BB), Sun 6:00 PM-8:00 PM (BF) 14BLUE Mon/Wed 7:45 PM-9:30 PM (BB), Sun 6:00 PM-8:00 PM (BB) 14WHITE Tue/Thu 7:45 PM-9:30 PM (BB) 15BLUE Mon/Wed 5:30 PM-7:30 PM (C), Sun 10:30 AM-12:15 PM (C) 15WHITE Tue/Thu 6:00 PM-7:45 PM (BB), Jan 10* 12:00 PM-2:00 PM (C), Mar 21* 12:00 PM-2:00 PM (C), Apr 11* 10:00 AM-12:00 PM (C), May 16* 12:00 PM-2:00 PM (C) 15GOLD Mon/Wed 5:00 PM-7:00 PM (BF) 16BLUE Tue 8:00 PM-10:00 PM (OP), Thu 7:00 PM-9:00 PM (L), Sun 12:15 PM-2:00 PM (C); Jan 8 / 15 practices at NorCal Courts. Starting Mar 10: Tue 7:00 PM-9:00 PM (OP), Thu 6:00 PM-8:00 PM (OP), Sun 12:15 PM-2:00 PM (C) Starting Jun 2: Tue/Thu 5:30 PM-7:30 PM (C), Sun 12:15 PM-2:00 PM (C) 16WHITE Tue 8:00PM-10:00PM (OP), Thu 7:00PM-9:00PM (L); Jan 8 / 15 practices at NorCal Courts, Martinez, from 5 PM-7 PM Jan 10* 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM (C), Feb 7* 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM (C) Starting Mar 10: Tue 7:00 PM-9:00 PM (OP); Thu 6:00 PM-8:00 PM (OP), Mar 21* 2:00 PM-4:00 PM (C), Apr 11* 12:00 PM-2:00 PM (C), May 16* 2:00 PM-4:00 PM (C) 17BLUE Mon/Wed 7:30 PM- 9:30 PM (C), Sun 2:00 PM - 3:45 PM (C) 18WHITE Tue/Thu 5:30 PM-7:30 PM (C); Jan 10* 4:00 PM-6:00 PM (C); Feb 7* 4:00 PM-6:00 PM (C), Mar 21* 4:00 PM-6:00 PM (C), Apr 4* 12:00 PM-2:00 PM (C), May 16* 4:00 PM-6:00 PM (C) 18BLUE Tue/Thu 7:30 PM-9:30 PM (C), Sun 3:45 PM-5:30 PM (C) (BB) = Bladium Back Court; (BF) = Bladium Front Court; (C) = Concord Facility; (L) = Laney College; (OP) = Oak Park. * In addition to weekly practice schedule. May be subject to changes made by the coaches or the club.

HOME(COURT) IS WHERE THE HEART IS!

Members of Xcel's Class of 2014 returned home for winter break to get a workout at the Concord Facility... pictured, left to right: Shannon Riggio-Kerley, Bryanna Davis, Naomi Overstreet, Michaela Gardner, Maddie Doud, Michelle Seals, and Mary Orbeta. Not pictured: Lacey Maas ('12) and Jessy Ober. Welcome back, ladies.