Stoddert Pick-up Volleyball May Become a League

Over the past year, Stoddert Recreation Center’s co-ed adult volleyball night has grown from practically non-existent to a thriving community program that may soon expand into a local league.

When the recreation center opened last year, Glover Park resident Norman Sanin was excited about the prospect of community volleyball. Unfortunately, he was alone in his excitement. Rec center volleyball attendance last fall was sparse at best.

Undaunted, Sanin took to the internet, sending out weekly emails on the Glover Park listserv. Over the course of several months, attendance slowly improved, finally picking up in February.

“It’s just getting bigger and bigger thanks to Norman,” said Stoddert Recreation Center site manager Ricky Davenport-Thomas.

Weekly games take place every Wednesday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Games currently draw approximately 8 to 15 players. The group is now requesting that Stoddert expand its programming to include a second weekly volleyball night.

Davenport-Thomas is also hoping to convert the adult co-ed volleyball program into a community league. If there’s sufficient interest in developing a league, the volleyball program would shift from a weekly pick-up game to a more formal league format in early December.

This transition would coincide with the start of Stoddert’s winter session. The league would compete within the context of a 10-12 week season. Rec center volleyball is currently year-round and free, but it would cost each player $35-$40 to cover the cost of uniforms and referees if the league format is introduced.

Whether through pick-up games or a formal league, it seems that Stoddert volleyball will continue to strengthen the Glover Park community.

“It’s very welcoming and inclusive,” said Erica DeJoannis, a Glover Park resident who attends the games on a weekly basis. “You otherwise wouldn’t necessarily get to know people in a neighborhood and be able to really make friends with them.”

Of course, there are also health benefits to rec center athletic programming like Stoddert’s weekly volleyball.

“It’s just a good release,” said Davenport-Thomas. “You can get out and have a minute-and-a-half away from your kids and get some exercise.”

At the end of a stressful day, many community members just want to have fun.

“It’s a friendly game,” said Sanin, always the recruiter. “We could use a few more players.”

If you’re interested in becoming one of those players, email Sanin at nsanin@yahoo.com for details. Stoddert volleyball is open to all and takes place at 8 p.m. every Wednesday in the Stoddert Recreation Center gym.