Tidewater Volleyball Association

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The Tidewater Volleyball Association (TVA) is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization located in Virginia Beach, Virginia. TVA is dedicated to promoting the sport of volleyball and organized youth and adult tournaments, leagues, training programs and events both indoor and outdoor. The organization operates the Tidewater Volleyball Center, a five court hard-court facility, in Virginia Beach.

[edit] History

1960s - TVA started as a group of players that played at the oceanfront of Virginia Beach. Harry Pincus, a local attorney, is widely recognized as starting the association.

1970s - The association slowly grew as a group of dedicated volleyball die hards continued to organize small volleyball tournaments and even field a few teams in during the 1970s to attend various indoor volleyball events. Harry Pincus continued to serve as President of the organization.

1980s - Growth accelerated as large beach volleyball events held at various beaches around the area grew in popularity. The oceanfront of Virginia Beach (north end), Chicks Beach near the Lessner Bridge and in Norfolk at Ocean View were common sites for tournaments. During the late 1980s, events that exceeded 70 courts and 350 teams were commonplace, especially on holiday weekends. Youth and Junior Olympic volleyball teams were developed by various members. John Cockey served as President through much of the 80s and with the assistance of John Eaton, Coco Hoffman, Owen Dixon, Beverly Nuckles and numerous other volunteers, the organization was growing quickly at the end of the 1980s. It was at this time that money was being raised for a dedicated indoor volleyball facility.

1990s - During the 1990s, the association experienced its most successful period as it relates to participants and visibility. The Tidewater Volleyball Center was originally opened near Oceana Naval Air Station but due to flight restrictions, a move to a new location on Dean Drive was initiated during the summer of 1993. During this period John Cockey was the President and in 1993, Michael Vanderslice was hired as Executive Director to oversee the operations on Dean Drive. From 1993 through the late 90s, TVA would grow from a few hundred players to several thousand. Beach volleyball leagues, indoor tournaments, volleyball classes, youth development programs, the Virginia Beach Invitational tournament and large beach volleyball events were the theme. TVA's revenue and success continued to grow and attracted national recognition and the organization along with Mr. Vanderslice in conjunction with the City of Virginia Beach was instrumental in attracting pro events like the Bud Light Women's Pro 4's, AVP[1] and Alero Olympic Qualifying events. TVA ended the 1990s with over 2,000 paid members and thousands of others that played in tournaments and events that the association organized.

2000s - With the 2000s, TVA's growth and popularity wained as competition in the area grew. Grant Sackin briefly led the organization until Ruth Melcher was hired as the Executive Director until 2005. A new president, Kurt Neitzke, attempted to add leadership and structure to the organization and eventually Craig Lenninger was hired as the new Executive Director. Julie Stark was President for a year and remains active on the Board of Directors as the Vice President. Chris Long is the current President. The organizaiton continues to flourish with over 2,000 members and a very active elite Junior's program producing nationally competitive teams.