Lewis and Clark to Host End-of-Summer High School Volleyball Tournament

GODFREY, Ill.— The Lewis and Clark Community College volleyball program will host an end-of-summer high school tournament series in July, aiming to attract teams from Illinois and Missouri for high-level preseason competition.

Head coach Jenna Brown said the event is designed to give programs a chance to evaluate themselves before the fall season while competing against unfamiliar opponents.

"My goal is to turn this into a sought-after tournament, where it is known for hosting high-level high school programs," Brown said. "This is a great opportunity for high school teams to see where they are at before the school season begins and compete against teams they wouldn't typically see in season."

The varsity tournaments will be held July 11-12 and July 25-26 and will feature 16 teams in a two-day format with pool play followed by bracket competition. A one-day junior varsity tournament is scheduled for July 19.

Entry fees from the tournaments will go directly toward supporting the Trailblazers' fall season expenses. Brown said the events also provide valuable experience for her current players, who will assist with operations.

Lewis and Clark coaching staff and experienced returners will officiate matches, while players will serve as line judges and operate scoreboards.

After seeing similar tournaments prosper at another conference program, Brown decided to launch one herself.

"I was inspired by another school in our conference that runs a very successful end-of-summer tournament, and I thought it was something we could bring here and be successful with," she said.

In addition to community engagement, Brown sees the tournament as a recruiting opportunity.

"What I'm most excited about is that it's an opportunity for recruiting and scoping out talented players that could potentially be a fit for my program," she said. "I am excited to see competitive play. I am also excited to observe coaches, players and team culture."

Brown believes the event will excite high school coaches eager to compete against programs outside their usual conference or class.

"The more we host tournaments like this, the more it puts Lewis and Clark on the map," she said. "Not only in the surrounding local communities but statewide and even crossing state lines. I want to be known as the program that does more than just play their sport in season. I want to be the program that's involved year-round and provides opportunities for the community and future Trailblazers."

The tournament will operate on a first-come, first-served basis, with payment due by May 1 to secure a spot. Coaches interested in registering, should contact Brown via email at jekbrown@lc.edu.

Written by Alexandra Dunn, Athletics Social Media Coordinator