Mad for Volleyball

Most people associate “March Madness” with basketball, but the Eastern Shore Volleyball Club is changing that perception by hosting the March Madness Volleyball Tournament, March 2 – 3, at the Foley Event Center.

Tournament director, Patsy Burke, said that 64 girls club volleyball teams, from Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Georgia, and Florida, will compete. The tournament is unique in that it splits up the age groups instead of having all teams playing over two days. The 12-14 age grassroots teams will participate Saturday, while the 15-18 age groups will play Sunday.

Burke explained that along with the location, the format works for the March Madness Tournament because it helps the tournament grow.

“The help of the Foley Event Center makes it a more enjoyable experience for all the teams to be in one location,” Burke said.

Foley Sports Tourism (FST) Event Coordinator, Luke Persall, said one day of play per age group really makes the staff aware of how important every interaction is with participants.

“One day of play means the first impression may be our only impression,” Persall said. “We want our visitors to fall in love with Foley the way we have and to do that we strive to make sure every interaction it a positive one.”

The March Madness Volleyball Tournament will run March 2 – 3, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though the end time may vary. The public is invited to attend and there is a $5 entry fee.

For more information on the tournament or any FST events, visit our events page.