LAVA, Lansing Area Volleyball Association was started in 1979 by Mary Jo Hardy along with a group of Lansing high school coaches, who had a vision of growing volleyball in the Lansing area. Their intent was to provide opportunities for girls and boys of all ages and abilities to play volleyball. They firmly believed that participation was a primary focus with the intent of developing these novice players into more skilled and competitive players. LAVA became a community service program of the Department of Physical Fitness and Wellness at Lansing Community College and involved 600+ girls and boys on 65 teams in the Lansing area this past year.

LAVA offers a Winter and Spring Competitive League, with girls 10-18 years practicing two times a week and competing in tournaments within various cities in Michigan. Coaches for these leagues have competitive volleyball experience and are required to pursue certification and continuing education. For the novice players 3rd through 8th grade, LAVA offers Instructional League. Practice is held on Mondays and game play on Wednesdays, April and May, at schools in and around the Lansing area. In addition, Mary Jo, an MSU volleyball alum, conducts Kids Court one hour prior to each home Michigan State volleyball match and provides one hour of volleyball instruction.

Since 2006, Casey Thompson has been serving as Director of LAVA and Carmen Jones as the Assistant Director. Mary Jo oversees Instructional League and Kids Court.

To contact us please email lava@lcc.edu for the quickest response or leave a message at 517.483.1232 or 989.640.3390.