Fun Article on the symbol of the Fleur-de-Lis

With the success of the New Orleans Saint football team, the New York Times published "Saints Aren't the First to Call on Fleur Power," an article written by Joe Lapointe discussing the history and use of the fleur-de-lis as a symbol.

Kathy DeBoer Talking About Title IX & Men's Volleyball

Please, watch and listen to Kathy DeBoer's powerful message about Title IX and Men's collegiate volleyball. This interview was part of a year long project by the NCAA on the personal impact of Title IX. This collection of testimonies created by the NCAA were designed to highlight the truths and misconceptions about the controversial law.

What Does Title IX Mean to You, Kathy DeBoer?

2010 Frosh 59 Announced

PrepVolleyball.com has announced its 2010 Frosh 59 and honored three High Performance athletes. Congratulations to the following athletes:

"Frosh 59: Bailey Sparkman, (15 Gold) 5-10 OH, Francis Howell ( St. Charles , Missouri ) – Strong defensively (252 digs), Sparkman is best known for her vicious jump serve. It produced 44 aces in 64 sets last fall. Her powerful left side spike generated 2.6 kills per set (178 total) for a team that won its first district championship in five years. Sparkman was named First Team All Conference and First Team All District.

Highest Honorable Mention: Javoni Faucette, (16 Gold) 6-0 OH, Francis Howell (St. Charles, Missouri) – A versatile hitter with all the tools necessary to be great, Faucette, the younger sister of Texas’ standout OH, averaged 2.5 kills per set in 2009 (180 total), while adding 37 aces and 205 digs in 65 sets for a team that won its first district championship in five years. She was named Second Team All Conference and First Team All District.

Honorable Mention: Alyssa Jensen, (16Gold) 5-9 S, St. Joseph ’s (St. Louis, Missouri) – Quick, smart and aggressive, Jensen moved into a starting role as a back row setter in a 6-2 midway through the season. She finished the year with 138 assists and 50 digs. She is a natural leader with smooth hands. A rival coach said she may be the best setter out of St. Louis since Natalie Emro two years ago."

For more information and a detailed list, please log on to PrepVolleyball.com.

St. Louis Sportsmanship Summit - Feb. 6

The St. Louis Sports Commission and Maryville University proudly present the St. Louis Sportsmanship Summit – A morning to improve youth sports for our kids. Beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 6^th, parents and coaches are invited to the campus of Maryville University to join youth sports experts for an event designed to make sports better for young people. Break-out sessions in coaching leadership, sports parenting, and sports specialization among others will give parents and coaches the tools to incorporate the principles of good sportsmanship into their youth programs. Participants will also be able to engage experts in a Q&A panel discussion addressing the most important issues facing youth sports. Parents, coaches and adults who look to make a positive difference in the lives of young people are invited to attend this free event. To RSVP, click on this link or call Solomon Alexander, Foundation Director, at 314-345-5130.

The St. Louis Sportsmanship Summit is a program of the St. Louis Sports Commission’s Sportsmanship Initiative. Through its Sportsmanship Initiative, the Sports Commission seeks to improve the experiences of young athletes. It is reaching out to parents, coaches, officials, athletes, and fans to make youth sports more enjoyable and to reinforce the ideals of respect, civility, integrity, and fair play at all levels.

Epenesa - 2009 Volleyball Player of the Year

Congratulations to Samantha Epenesa, Girls 16 Gold, the 2009 Telegraph Large-School Player of the Year. A two year varsity starter at Edwardsville High School, Sam was a first team All-SWC member and helped her lead her team to their third straight Southwestern Conference championship. She currently is ranked third in Edwardsville hitting records books with 356 kills this season.

Click here to enjoy the Telegraph article written by Greg Shashack.

Congratulations, Sam!