The Colorado Flyers Inc.

General Information:

Location…….................................................PO BOX  390061

                                                                        Denver, CO 80239

Enrollment (2015- 16)……………………...........................................................76

Nickname………………………………………....................................................Flyers

Colors……………………………………………......................................Red and Black

Practice Facilities………….Hiawatha Davis Recreation Center, Evie Dennis    ......................................................Campus, William Roberts Middle School

Affiliation.......................................USA Volleyball, Rocky Mountain Region

Athletic Reference………………… Colorado Flyers - Denver Volleyball Club

 

Administration:

Director (s)……………………………Patricia Romansky and Cheryl Humann

 

 

Mission - Colorado Flyers - Denver Volleyball is a provider of equal opportunities for girls from diverse  backgrounds, committed to training and competing at the USA Junior National Level.  We promote academic achievement, teamwork, health and positive life skills that are community-based and self-sustaining.  DVC supports a national effort to develop inclusion and diversity within the sport of volleyball.

Activities – DVC provides high-level training and competitive opportunities for young women ages 12-18 in the sport of volleyball.  Through strength training, conditioning, and a disciplined practice regimen, our young women compete successfully in the Rocky Mountain Region Volleyball Junior Division, and is a member of USA Volleyball. DVC is the only Club in the suite of competitive regional teams that is a 501(c)(3) non-profit entity.  

 

History - Established in 2004, DVC is a consortium of the Colorado Flyers Inc. and Denver Parks and Recreation. The club was established on the premise that club volleyball should not be an elitist sport.  Over 63 percent of our families live in the City and County of Denver, and nearly 50% live in north-northeast Denver. Demographically, DVC is equally diverse with a balance of 50% Caucasian and 50% African-American, Hispanic and Asian. Our goal is to provide high-level competitive club volleyball to any student athlete that has the desire and talent to play regardless of their financial means. DVC  levels the college recruiting playing field for young women who may be interested in pursuing both athletic and/or academic scholarships to play at the collegiate level. DVC is well on our way to being a leading force in the Rocky Mountain Region.

In July of 2010 DVC watched the flagship team fight their way to the top, and compete in the USA Volleyball Girls Junior National Championships in Reno, Nevada.    Six years prior to this these young women began their journey through the sport of volleyball. In 2010 DVC stood in the middle of the podium to receive their gold medals, as the National Champions, having bested the top teams from around the United States.   

Since 2010, DVC has enabled 32 women to continue their dream of going to college and playing at the collegiate level.  The doors were opened.   Now we will wait for the long term impact these players will have on society, but rest assured they will be impressive and long lasting.  Dreams have been realized.  This is just the tip of the iceberg.  

 

Goal - DVC premise is simple. Volleyball is one of the fastest growing sports for girls.  The sport of volleyball is ideal for the inner cities and rural areas of America; it is inexpensive, non-contact and inherently a social game requiring communication and cooperation.  Girls playing volleyball in the United States outnumber boys 12-1.  It is truly the “girl’s game” of America.

DVC goal is to reach out to the girls in the Denver community’s public schools and recreational gyms, whom are yearning to belong and participate, without the fear of affordability.  DVC goal is to provide the best , volleyball training in the region and guide these young girls to attain college scholarships.  

The benefits of girls participating in sports are:

• Girls who participate in sports are 92% less likely to get involved with drugs

• Girls who participate in sports are 80% less likely to have unwanted pregnancies.

• Girls who participate in sports are three times more likely to graduate from high school.

• Girls who participate in sports have a higher level of self-esteem.

DVC take all girls at face value.   We find a way to support a player who is willing to commit their time and effort as an athlete.  Our expectations are unbiased and equal for all of our athletes.

The population served is primarily in the Denver Metro area.  Currently on three of our seven teams 80% of the players live within Denver city limits.  

Current Program - Our current program is primarily during the club volleyball season, which is from November thru May. If a team wins a qualifier tournament and earns a national bid then they will practice and play through early July.

DVC strives to have practice for all our players three times weekly. These practices go through basic skills, team play scenarios, watching film, strength training, agility training, and nutrition counseling.  We offer specific, individual training on Sundays for those kids who feel they want to work on specifics to get better at a different position.  Our goal is two-fold.  First we strive to win in the regional tournaments so that we may participate at a higher division.  Second, we achieve to win a qualifying tournament that allows that team to participate in the USAV National Championship tournament held every July. If a team is seeded in division 1 or 2 college coaches are more likely to give that team attention and recognize our players.  

We make sure our kids are also focusing on academics and are in line with their schoolwork.  We build relationships with college coaches communicating the position needs as well as the admission requirements.  Based on this knowledge we help girls connect with college coach whose needs match the girl’s desires.  Our instruction ranges from basic fundamentals to highly technical and strategic game play.  With the volunteers we have within our club many good people are willing to give their time to help with ACT / SAT tutoring and information on becoming a college bound student athlete and life skills.

We believe that participation in sport is key to achieving empowerment therefore, by empowering young girls to find success, build character and be responsible leaders they will leave our program having a positive image of themselves.

What is unique and outstanding about our organization is our motivation.  DVC have  many volunteers that work hard for our success.  DVC coaches are willingly giving their time and sometimes money , DVC does not have paid administration,  It is solely about helping girls achieve.  

Success to DVC is measured in the girls’ ability to perform the skills that have been taught to them during practice and their determination whether they win or lose. It is measured in the player that was able to be motivated and committed to play in college.   

Club Awards received to date:

• The El Pomar Foundation - Excellence in recreation

• Rebecca Howard Star Award - Diversity in volleyball

• Two American Volleyball Coaches Association minority recipient award

TESTIMONIALS

“Denver volleyball hasn't only helped me grow as a volleyball player but as a person as well, DVC has taught me the importance of hard work, perseverance, and teamwork. Without this program I truly don't know where I'd be today. The coaches and the staff dedicate their time and energy to the girls and always have their best interest in mind.” Celeste Henderson, Class of 2014

"Denver Volleyball Club offers such an endless amount of opportunity, support, and encouragement to anyone that becomes involved in the program. DVC has become like a second family to me and I'm so blessed to be a part of something so wonderful. I truly do believe that this organization can make a very positive impact and contribute so much to the Holly Square redevelopment."  Dominique Davis, Head Coach 15s

Denver VBC has given me an opportunity to not only coach but to mentor young kids from all socioeconomic backgrounds to endeavor to make a positive and influential change in these young kids lives both on and off the court. As a young coach, Denver VBC allows me to be a part of an amazing club that opens doors for our future and reaches out to help members of the community to do the same. Denver VBC is the definition of what it means to be a family."  Grateful, Breanna Wicks, Head Coach 13s Team

“Denver Volleyball Club has been such a positive influence in my life. DVC is a great program with a very knowledgeable, qualified staff. The Club's mission is to provide opportunities for underserved young girls in the community. The development that takes place on and off the court not only molds young girls into better athletes, but also strengthens them and provides a support system. I've grown so much as an athlete and as a person, and I can attribute it to the environment that DVC creates. It's so much more than just volleyball, "we are one team, one club, one family," and I really believe that DVC would make a positive contribution to the Holly Square redevelopment.”  Stephanie Laraway – 2015 18s Team

“I can't express enough how vital Denver Volleyball Club under the Colorado Flyers name is to this area. As a product of the Colorado Flyers track club myself more than 40 years ago, I can attest firsthand how it changed my life. This community needs affordable club programs to not only provide sports for our youth. They also guide our kids into positive outlets to shape their future. It can't always only be for the wealthy. Positive affirmation for our girls is vital. We are shaping strong women for the future.” Yvette Calhoun, Parent 2011- present

“Denver Volleyball Club is a place where girls from all backgrounds can come together to become exceptional leaders and athletes. The lessons they learn in our gym go far beyond the realm of hitting, passing, and setting. They learn about acceptance, tolerance, respect, hard work and discipline. They make lifelong friendships with people of vastly different backgrounds. The coaches mentor the girls in life as well as volleyball. Opportunities that were once only available to a certain socioeconomic class are now open and available to all. We have yet to see the long term impact these girls will have on society but you can rest assured that these impacts will be impressive and long lasting. This small club atmosphere has created a family where the younger girls admire and respect the older ones for their volleyball success but more importantly for their actions as responsible and caring citizens. For many of these athletes, they have the chance to be first generation college students because of the opportunities provided to them by Colorado Flyers/ Denver Volleyball Club. It is a place I am proud to come to work every day.”  Katie Ryan, Head Coach 2006-2014