Last year (2009) I journeyed back to Aspen, Colorado for the MotherLode Volleyball Classic, held over Labor Day weekend, a pilgrimage I have been taking for almost 40 years.  It was 1974 when I drove my VW Squareback up over the Independence Pass, ears popping as you peak-out at 12,095 feet.  Leon Fell and his staff, and tens of thousands of players over the decades, have made this a magical place to grow the game.

Back then I would just walk up the green covered ski hills to a swale that was level, and throw down my sleeping bag after a long day – and awaken to look down on the Chart House courts to see if anyone had arrived to start play. (In ’74, I was lucky enough to win the Men’s A.)  I have mountain-climbed, biked, fly-fished and hunted all over this area; and, skied some of the best powder ever.  My kids have camped-out, stayed at a real fort, and explored the amazing Aspen institute; all while first watching me play.  Then they began playing in the event themselves.  First with me; and, then, with school friends.  (There is something about playing this game with a school friend or parent that just makes the game that much more special.)   Watching the game teach the game unfolds over the 5 days of the Event.  There are teams from over 30 states in this Tournament, many who have been competing in it for over a decade – it is just that kind of special volleyball event.

John Kessel
Director, Special Projects
USA Volleyball
Colorado Springs, Colorado