Every set every pass every spike every match every dig every hit every tip every block every roof every cover every serve every play every game every drill every tool every practice every timeout every huddle every time I step on the floor…I BELIEVE

Tsunami Volleyball, Inc. is a not-for-profit Junior Olympic Volleyball Club based on the south side of Atlanta. The 2007 season marks Tsunami Volleyball’s seventh year of existence. Tsunami brings together athletes from Dutchtown, Landmark Christian, McIntosh, Northgate, Our Lady of Mercy, Sandy Creek, Stars Mill and other local schools to compete across the nation. Tsunami emphasizes the spirit of volleyball by developing technical skills, cooperation, and teamwork. As a club, Tsunami strives to instill exemplary values in its teams which transcend volleyball.

Tsunami volleyball began in the fall of 2000 by Steve Bittle, Gena Lawrence, Tad Sahara, and founding parent Becki Stacks. A group of parents approached Tad and asked him if he would consider forming his own club based on Tad’s coaching principles and ideas. Tsunami volleyball was based on the belief that volleyball is a sport that could be enjoyed for a lifetime- this belief is echoed in Tsunami’s philosophy still today. The first season of Tsunami had two teams (16’s and 14’s) and quickly grew into four teams for the next two years. By the end of the 2002-2003 season, the club saw its first alumni go on to collegiate play (Ruthie Stacks). In 2003-2004 Tsunami blossomed to seven competitive teams and started the Big Wave Developmental program for players just getting interested in the sport. In 2006-2007, the club added two 12’s teams and a second 13’s team expanding Tsunami to 13 teams and 34 coaches.

“I believe in Tsunami Volleyball because through all of the growth and changes in the club, we have been able to maintain our core beliefs and ideals. Although we have grown into one of the premier clubs in the southeast, we have still been able to maintain the friendliness and tightness of a small club. Perhaps the key in this is that we continue to bring in coaches who truly care about the girls as people rather than just volleyball players.”

“I love being able to walk in a gym filled with the entire club and have nearly every coach call me by name. I feel like everyone genuinely cares about my progression and my experience with volleyball. I know that no matter what team I’m on or who my coach is, it’s going to be an experience that will help me grow not only as a player but as a person.”

“At Tsunami I have had the privilege of working with some of the greatest coaches and players in the Atlanta area. Here at Tsunami I am a part of a volleyball ‘family’- and I love that!”

“I believe in Tsunami because I agree with the ideals of the club. (volleyball is about having fun, not winning at all costs). I enjoy the Tsunami mentality + love of the game, and want to continue to improve my volleyball skills.

“For us, Tsunami offers the best combination of coaching, camaraderie, and team competition. We are living proof of the Tsunami experience as our Tsunami coaches have helped to transform our daughter’s life. Because of their dedication to her, she is committed not only to her team but also to herself. She is focused and driven, she has very clear goals, and she has set the sky as her limit. This is the direct result of working with coaches who are motivated by and committed to each child on their team. Thank you, Tsunami coaches, for your part in helping our daughter leap into adulthood with confidence, optimism and an endless list of other skills that will help her to achieve her goals. How can we possibly ever adequately thank you for that?”

“I believe in Tsunami because of the positive environment we create for our players. As a club we focus on our players and what’s best for them. The players and their love for the game come first. My experience with Tsunami has been phenomenal. I have had the opportunity to work with incredible young women and extremely supportive parents. This has been an amazing experience that’s allowed me to make a positive impact on the lives’ of others.”

“I think it’s a great opportunity for the girls to learn more about volleyball and how important team work is.”

“Tsunami players continually impress me as athletes and more importantly inspire me as people. The coaches, most of who easily commute 65+ miles to every practice, show more dedication than can possibly be measured. All the while, families that mold some extraordinary young women surround us. I take pride wearing the Tsunami name—for me, the club represents an unparalleled philosophy and approach to athletic competition.”

Tsunami recognizes the important influence parents, teachers, mentors, and coaches have on the lives of young adults. In the spirit of cyclical reciprocity, the club encourages its players to give back to the larger Atlanta community by helping other non-profit organizations dedicated to service. Tsunami kicked off the 2006-2007 season with a donation for Atlanta Alliance on Developmental Disabilities (AADD) to bring some holiday warmth and cheer to those in need. Over 50 players, coaches, and parents donated 100’s of bags of new and used clothing. Each spring Tsunami also teams up with AADD to host the Special Olympics Volleyball Invitational.