SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. —
Two varsity volleyball teams representing Scott, are headed to the Air Force Varsity Volleyball League (AFVVL) National Tournament in San Antonio, Texas, Feb. 22-23.
Facing multiple former Division I athletes from across the St. Louis area, the Women’s and Co-ed teams went undefeated in the AFVVL Regional Tournament, winning three games each.
After a six-year absence, volleyball returned to Scott AFB in the spring of 2024, bringing together active-duty service members from various branches, dependents, and local contractors.
The teams have been performing well during their first season; however, the past couple months have been a trial.
According to military spouse, coach and captain of the women’s volleyball team, Lindsey Beers, after six months of continuous practice, they lost half of their members to the ever changing needs of the military. Beers commented that it has also been difficult to secure gym time with their responsibilities growing and numbers falling. The teams banded together with their remaining teammates to achieve the goals set at the beginning of the season.
“We are passionate and dedicated, and we’re willing to put in the practice time even if it isn’t easy or convenient,” Beers said.
Balancing military life with personal passions can be challenging, but Beers believes that chasing their passions outside of work is good for the team’s personal identity.
“The volleyball teams give players and their families an outlet to identify themselves as more than just their job or a spouse,” said Beers. “We have interests and activities that we care about and are passionate about that add value to our base.”
Beers also argued that support goes beyond the players, giving the Air Force a chance to recognize and uplift not only the service members, but their families as well.
“We are passionate and dedicated, and we’re willing to put in the practice time even if it isn’t easy or convenient,”Lindsey Beers
“At the end of the day, we are all competitive athletes and we’re going to do what makes us the best team,” said Beers.
To stay up-to-date on Scott’s volleyball teams at their upcoming tournament, check out our social media pages. Good luck to both teams.
