Momentum One Volleyball Academy, a new nonprofit youth volleyball club formed in September 2019 for athletes across the North Olympic Peninsula, sent three teams to the Northwest Juniors Tournament in the Seattle-Tacoma area over President’s Day weekend.

Momentum One sent two 14U teams to the tourney, with both finishing in the upper half of the 93-team division. Team 14-Tsunami, coached by Port Angeles High graduate Alyssa Wetzler, finished 35th overall, while Team 14-Hurricane, coached by newcomer Merissa Koller-Williams, finished 41st overall.

Team 16-Tsunami, coached by club director Christine Grunch-Halberg, finished 13th of 32 teams.

With about 50 athletes trying out in October 2019, Momentum One was able to accommodate four teams: one 13U, two 14U and a 16U team. The program serves athletes from Sequim, Port Angeles, Port Townsend, Forks and Neah Bay.

“We were overwhelmed by the amount of interest at 14U tryouts this fall,” Koller-Williams said.

“Athletes and their families have been very committed and patient with our staff as we navigate our first year as a club. Hopefully the success we saw last weekend will inspire parents and athletes alike to continue investing in the game we love.”

Momentum One hosts tryouts in October or November, and tournaments begin in January. The club hopes to gauge interest in boys volleyball this summer and expand to include more girls next season.

For more information about Momentum One Volleyball Academy, visit www.momentumoneva.org.