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 competitve 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.
Winter League is now offered in January and February for high school players practicing twice a week and competing in Power League (fixed locations and volleyball clubs competing with each other). In Spring League, girls 12-18 years practice two times a week in April and May and compete in tournaments each weekend within various cities in Michigan for six weeks. Coaches for these leagues have competitve volleyball experience and are required to pursue certification and continuing education. Instructional League, for novice players 3rd through 8th grade practice and compete once a week during April within the Lansing area. Kids Court is held one hour prior to each home Michigan State volleyball match each fall and provides instruction in volleyball, grade 1-5.
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.
