Tuesday, 16 Jul 2024

Olympian Lori Endicott-Vandersnick Gives Back as Junior Coach

MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin (April 30, 2016) – Lori Endicott-Vandersnick, a two-time Olympic Games volleyball player and bronze medalist at the 1992 Barcelona Games, is now making a positive impact on the sport at the grassroots level. She is currently coaching the Springfield Juniors at the USA Volleyball Girls’ 18s National Championships in Milwaukee this weekend.

Endicott-Vandersnick sees this opportunity as a chance to give back to a program she is proud of, especially after her own Olympic experience. The team she coaches is part of the Community Olympic Development Program (CODP) and plays under the Springfield Juniors. As one of only 16 cities with a CODP and the only program with volleyball, this is a unique opportunity for Endicott-Vandersnick.

The Springfield Juniors have performed exceptionally well in the pool play, remaining undefeated in five matches and dropping only one set. Players on the team recognize the value of having an Olympian like Endicott-Vandersnick as their coach. They believe her guidance will not only improve their skills as volleyball players but also make them better individuals.

Endicott-Vandersnick’s own volleyball career was exceptional, starting with her time at the University of Nebraska and later joining the U.S. Women’s National Team in 1989. Throughout her career, she was recognized as the Best Setter at various tournaments and won bronze at the FIVB World Championship. Now, as a coach, she takes pride in the achievements of her Springfield Juniors club.

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The Springfield CODP program began in 2005 with just 20 players and Endicott-Vandersnick as the sole coach in one gym. Over time, the program has expanded to include around 300 players and 10 assistant coaches in four different facilities. Additionally, the program continues to evolve and improve, adding new elements like sand volleyball to provide more opportunities for the players.

Endicott-Vandersnick is impressed not only by the players’ athletic abilities but also their character and respect for the game. She highlights their exemplary behavior on and off the court, which reflects positively on themselves, their families, and the program as a whole.

Gerri Idos, a veteran player in the program, has been a part of the CODP since the age of 11 and joined Endicott-Vandersnick’s team at age 15. Over the years, they have experienced great success at the national level, including a silver medal in the Nationals Divisions when they were 15s. This year, their goal in Milwaukee is to secure the coveted gold medal.

The Springfield Juniors and their dedicated coach, Lori Endicott-Vandersnick, embody the spirit of hard work, perseverance, and sportsmanship. Their achievements on and off the court are a testament to their dedication and love for the game of volleyball.

FAQs

Q: What is the Community Olympic Development Program (CODP)?
A: The CODP is a grassroots program started by the United States Olympic Committee. It aims to provide opportunities for young athletes to develop their skills in various Olympic sports. Springfield, Missouri, is one of 16 cities that have a CODP, and it is the only program with a focus on volleyball.

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Q: How has Lori Endicott-Vandersnick’s coaching impacted the Springfield Juniors club?
A: Endicott-Vandersnick’s coaching has had a significant positive impact on the Springfield Juniors club. The team has experienced success over the years, including finishing second at nationals and winning several qualifiers. Moreover, she emphasizes the importance of character and respect, both on and off the court, encouraging her players to represent themselves and the program with integrity.

Q: How has the Springfield CODP program evolved over the years?
A: The Springfield CODP program, which started in 2005 with only 20 players and one coach in a single gym, has grown significantly. It now boasts around 300 players and 10 assistant coaches spread across four facilities. The program continues to innovate and improve, with the recent addition of sand volleyball as a new opportunity for players.

Summary

Lori Endicott-Vandersnick, an accomplished Olympic volleyball player, is now coaching the Springfield Juniors at the USA Volleyball Girls’ 18s National Championships. As a former Olympian, she sees this as an opportunity to give back to a program she is proud of and help young athletes develop their skills. The Springfield Juniors have performed exceptionally well in the tournament, and the players appreciate having an Olympian coach to guide them. Endicott-Vandersnick takes pride in the achievements of her club, both on and off the court. The Springfield CODP program has grown significantly since its inception, providing opportunities for around 300 players and expanding to multiple facilities. The program continues to evolve and improve, offering new experiences like sand volleyball. With Endicott-Vandersnick’s coaching and the players’ dedication, the Springfield Juniors are striving for gold at this year’s national championships.

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