2020-2021 Newsletters
2021 Gets a Late Start
(April 30, 2021) - This is the time of the year we love! Springtime delivers hope of new beginnings, from young players getting their feet wet on the courts to our more experienced athletes signing their commitment letters to play at the next level.
After months of starts and stops driven by health restrictions in various tournament locales, Xceleration’s club teams finally played in meaningful events, specifically the Sierra National Qualifiers in Reno and the USAV Nationals in Columbus for the 18Blue and the Far Westerns in Reno for the rest of the club teams. We can’t wait to get the rest of the ball rolling in the next few months before closing out the season. Read more.
(April 30, 2021) - This is the time of the year we love! Springtime delivers hope of new beginnings, from young players getting their feet wet on the courts to our more experienced athletes signing their commitment letters to play at the next level.
After months of starts and stops driven by health restrictions in various tournament locales, Xceleration’s club teams finally played in meaningful events, specifically the Sierra National Qualifiers in Reno and the USAV Nationals in Columbus for the 18Blue and the Far Westerns in Reno for the rest of the club teams. We can’t wait to get the rest of the ball rolling in the next few months before closing out the season. Read more.
Onward and Forward to 2021
(December 24, 2020) - 2020 will be a year that no one could have ever imagined or want to experience ever again. We were all in uncharted waters and were navigating through rough seas as the pandemic continued to rage. It will go down as the year that we will never (or better yet will want to) forget. As we move into 2021, we must remember, however, that we are not out of the woods just yet. Let us continue to be patient and flexible a little longer. Read more.
(December 24, 2020) - 2020 will be a year that no one could have ever imagined or want to experience ever again. We were all in uncharted waters and were navigating through rough seas as the pandemic continued to rage. It will go down as the year that we will never (or better yet will want to) forget. As we move into 2021, we must remember, however, that we are not out of the woods just yet. Let us continue to be patient and flexible a little longer. Read more.
In the midst of... we plow through!
(Oct. 27, 2020) - COVID-19, wildfires, social unrest, politics: 2020 is an American nightmare that’s wearing us out. Against this litany of events as a backdrop, we at Xceleration will plow through at whatever comes our way, with plans to be flexible and be patient during the upcoming competitive volleyball season. READ MORE.
(Oct. 27, 2020) - COVID-19, wildfires, social unrest, politics: 2020 is an American nightmare that’s wearing us out. Against this litany of events as a backdrop, we at Xceleration will plow through at whatever comes our way, with plans to be flexible and be patient during the upcoming competitive volleyball season. READ MORE.
Will There be a 2021 Season?
(September 8, 2020) - THAT IS THE QUESTION... AT THIS POINT IN TIME A YEAR AGO, our Fall Ball Season was well underway. Our Sunday Open Gyms were ready to take sign-ups. Our pre-Tryout Clinics were gearing up to assign coaches to run the camps with their prospective players. And plans were in place to hold the club season tryouts during the first week of November. Read more.
(September 8, 2020) - THAT IS THE QUESTION... AT THIS POINT IN TIME A YEAR AGO, our Fall Ball Season was well underway. Our Sunday Open Gyms were ready to take sign-ups. Our pre-Tryout Clinics were gearing up to assign coaches to run the camps with their prospective players. And plans were in place to hold the club season tryouts during the first week of November. Read more.
2019-2020 Newsletters
Congratulations to the Class of 2020... A Year Like No Other for 17 Xcel Seniors
(April 21, 2020) - YOU DID IT! In the weeks ahead, you will accomplish one of the early milestones of your lives – getting your high school diploma! While the current health crisis brings a painful and abrupt end to senior year at high schools – no proms, no class trips, no caps, no gowns, no commencement ceremonies – the reality and the loss of these senior traditions pale in comparison to keeping yourself and your family healthy. Read more.
(April 21, 2020) - YOU DID IT! In the weeks ahead, you will accomplish one of the early milestones of your lives – getting your high school diploma! While the current health crisis brings a painful and abrupt end to senior year at high schools – no proms, no class trips, no caps, no gowns, no commencement ceremonies – the reality and the loss of these senior traditions pale in comparison to keeping yourself and your family healthy. Read more.
Reflections on the Season
(April 6, 2020) - For the individual and for all our teams, we would have reached many peaks and valleys at this time during the volleyball season. In addition and theoretically, our court skills have skyrocketed, our growth immeasurable, and our maturity level unrecognizable. However, now that the season has been cut short (temporarily) this would be an opportune time to reflect on what we have done and what we can do when, and if, the season resumes. Read more.
(April 6, 2020) - For the individual and for all our teams, we would have reached many peaks and valleys at this time during the volleyball season. In addition and theoretically, our court skills have skyrocketed, our growth immeasurable, and our maturity level unrecognizable. However, now that the season has been cut short (temporarily) this would be an opportune time to reflect on what we have done and what we can do when, and if, the season resumes. Read more.
Hanging Tight
(March 30, 2020) - It’s been a few weeks since the USA Volleyball Association and the Northern California Volleyball Association put an end to all athletic activity at the club volleyball level due to concerns over the COVID-19 outbreak, leaving clubs and its athletes see their 2020 season come to a screeching halt in the midst of an important time. Read more.
(March 30, 2020) - It’s been a few weeks since the USA Volleyball Association and the Northern California Volleyball Association put an end to all athletic activity at the club volleyball level due to concerns over the COVID-19 outbreak, leaving clubs and its athletes see their 2020 season come to a screeching halt in the midst of an important time. Read more.
18Blue: Embracing the Moment
(March 19, 2020) - Over the last several days and weeks, we have all been receiving notifications left and right about the ever-increasing impacts of COVID-19 in our communities. While we are growing a bit weary of these messages, there have been uplifting news as well from our teams during the past few weeks, specifically from our 18Blue. READ MORE.
(March 19, 2020) - Over the last several days and weeks, we have all been receiving notifications left and right about the ever-increasing impacts of COVID-19 in our communities. While we are growing a bit weary of these messages, there have been uplifting news as well from our teams during the past few weeks, specifically from our 18Blue. READ MORE.
On the Road Again! A Busy Three-Day Weekend! 12 Teams in 5 Cities and 3 States for Triple Crown, Las Vegas Classic and Presidents' Day Tournaments
(March 11, 2020) - XCELlent News pays a quick homage to country crooner Willie Nelson as Xceleration teams faced off against the highest levels of competition in Kansas City and Las Vegas when the prestigious invite-only Triple Crown NIT and SCVA Las Vegas Classic were held during the President’s Day break. READ MORE.
(March 11, 2020) - XCELlent News pays a quick homage to country crooner Willie Nelson as Xceleration teams faced off against the highest levels of competition in Kansas City and Las Vegas when the prestigious invite-only Triple Crown NIT and SCVA Las Vegas Classic were held during the President’s Day break. READ MORE.
A Fresh and Promising Start at Cal Kickoff and Power/Premier League Qualifiers
(February 10, 2020) - California Kickoff and Power League Qualifiers (PLQs) kickstarted the 15th Season for Xceleration Volleyball Club. Off the bat, Cal Kickoff and the critical PLQs officially launched the 2020 competitive volleyball season for club and its teams throughout the Bay Area during the Martin Luther King Jr. and Super Bowl weekends. READ MORE.
(February 10, 2020) - California Kickoff and Power League Qualifiers (PLQs) kickstarted the 15th Season for Xceleration Volleyball Club. Off the bat, Cal Kickoff and the critical PLQs officially launched the 2020 competitive volleyball season for club and its teams throughout the Bay Area during the Martin Luther King Jr. and Super Bowl weekends. READ MORE.
15 Years Later... Xceleration Keeps True to its Founding Principles to Begin 2020 Season
(December 12, 2019) - When Xceleration’s founder and then-owner Jon Segall started the club in 2005 to give volleyball players in the area a competitive club in which to participate and to learn proper volleyball skills, his founding principles were simple and could be summed up in three lines: Compete because you love to compete... Win because you love to win... Play because you love the sport. Fast forward 15 years later, under the ownership of Jeremy Swann, those principles are still the foundation of the club. Read more.
(December 12, 2019) - When Xceleration’s founder and then-owner Jon Segall started the club in 2005 to give volleyball players in the area a competitive club in which to participate and to learn proper volleyball skills, his founding principles were simple and could be summed up in three lines: Compete because you love to compete... Win because you love to win... Play because you love the sport. Fast forward 15 years later, under the ownership of Jeremy Swann, those principles are still the foundation of the club. Read more.
2018-2019 Newsletters
Xceleration Shines at Far Westerns, Power League Regionals and Bayview Classic
(June 20, 2019) - 2019 Season ends with lots of skill development, fun, learning and friendship. Read more.
(June 20, 2019) - 2019 Season ends with lots of skill development, fun, learning and friendship. Read more.
A New Journey and New Possibilities Begin for 16 Xcel Seniors!
(May 8, 2019) - Congratulations to Xceleration's Class of 2019. We wish you all the best in your new endeavors. Read more.
(May 8, 2019) - Congratulations to Xceleration's Class of 2019. We wish you all the best in your new endeavors. Read more.
BOMB CYCLONES!... MEH! BRING IT ON!
(March 29, 2019) - Xceleration took in stride whatever Mother Nature (and man-made disasters) threw at them at the Colorado Crossroad Junior National Qualifier, which is considered by many as the biggest event in girls’ volleyball competition. Immediately before Week 2 of Crossroads when Xceleration 16s, 17Blue, and 18White were scheduled to compete, a Denver blizzard – tabbed the “bomb cyclone” – dumped snow up to two inches per hour. With high winds and icy conditions, coupled with flight cancellations due to the federally imposed grounding of 737 Max 8s, the Denver Airport runway and roads leading into Colorado were closed. Read more.
(March 29, 2019) - Xceleration took in stride whatever Mother Nature (and man-made disasters) threw at them at the Colorado Crossroad Junior National Qualifier, which is considered by many as the biggest event in girls’ volleyball competition. Immediately before Week 2 of Crossroads when Xceleration 16s, 17Blue, and 18White were scheduled to compete, a Denver blizzard – tabbed the “bomb cyclone” – dumped snow up to two inches per hour. With high winds and icy conditions, coupled with flight cancellations due to the federally imposed grounding of 737 Max 8s, the Denver Airport runway and roads leading into Colorado were closed. Read more.
Road Trip on Presidents' Day
(March 9, 2019) - Following a successful showing at Power League Qualifiers, Xceleration teams headed out in different directions during the Presidents’ Day weekend, with the 15-18 Blues in Kansas City for the Triple Crown Invitational, the 16White and 18White in Sin City for the Las Vegas Classic, and the rest of the teams remaining in the Bay Area at the NCVA Presidents’ Day tournament. At these locales, Xcel teams faced off against the highest levels of competition, and they competed to the max. Read more.
(March 9, 2019) - Following a successful showing at Power League Qualifiers, Xceleration teams headed out in different directions during the Presidents’ Day weekend, with the 15-18 Blues in Kansas City for the Triple Crown Invitational, the 16White and 18White in Sin City for the Las Vegas Classic, and the rest of the teams remaining in the Bay Area at the NCVA Presidents’ Day tournament. At these locales, Xcel teams faced off against the highest levels of competition, and they competed to the max. Read more.
And So the Adventure Begins!
(February 7, 2019) - The 2019 season was officially and finally off the ground with competition at the annual California Kickoff held at the San Mateo Event Center, San Jose Convention Center, and various high school locations throughout the Bay Area. ENERGY, ENTHUSIASM, TEAM PLAY, and PLAYER AND COACHING TALENT were all on display during the long MLK weekend, and all our teams should be commended for being game-ready to face the opposition this early in the season. The club is extremely proud of the tournament results and accomplishments. Action and outcomes were one of the best that we’ve seen in years. The games were exciting and would make anyone wearing the “X” on their jerseys or fan gear inspired and wanting more. Read more.
(February 7, 2019) - The 2019 season was officially and finally off the ground with competition at the annual California Kickoff held at the San Mateo Event Center, San Jose Convention Center, and various high school locations throughout the Bay Area. ENERGY, ENTHUSIASM, TEAM PLAY, and PLAYER AND COACHING TALENT were all on display during the long MLK weekend, and all our teams should be commended for being game-ready to face the opposition this early in the season. The club is extremely proud of the tournament results and accomplishments. Action and outcomes were one of the best that we’ve seen in years. The games were exciting and would make anyone wearing the “X” on their jerseys or fan gear inspired and wanting more. Read more.
2019 Reboot, Restart, Refresh...
(December 10, 2018) - “The club is in GREAT hands,” Jim Ross said, as he and Andy Schroeder move away from the day-to-day operations of the club and cede ownership to Jeremy Swann. “Jeremy’s vision for Xceleration has not changed. His desire and passion to keep building the club and making it better every season is as strong as ever. He is the right person to lead this club into the future.” With that said, the club moves forward to begin another memorable and learning season for 140 new and returning athletes. Read more.
(December 10, 2018) - “The club is in GREAT hands,” Jim Ross said, as he and Andy Schroeder move away from the day-to-day operations of the club and cede ownership to Jeremy Swann. “Jeremy’s vision for Xceleration has not changed. His desire and passion to keep building the club and making it better every season is as strong as ever. He is the right person to lead this club into the future.” With that said, the club moves forward to begin another memorable and learning season for 140 new and returning athletes. Read more.
2017-2018 Newsletters
Fantastic Finishes
(June 15, 2018) - FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS… FOCUS… WORK HARD… FINISH STRONG… These are just some of the themes and phrases we often hear during competition. And most likely so did all of our players throughout the season. The victories in a tightly contested match or a big tournament are wonderful records of our accomplishments to hang our hats on, but these buzzwords are the little (BIG) things that’s forever. Read more.
(June 15, 2018) - FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS… FOCUS… WORK HARD… FINISH STRONG… These are just some of the themes and phrases we often hear during competition. And most likely so did all of our players throughout the season. The victories in a tightly contested match or a big tournament are wonderful records of our accomplishments to hang our hats on, but these buzzwords are the little (BIG) things that’s forever. Read more.
Xceleration's Stars Shine Brightly
(June 3, 2018) - Our athletes are doing a fantastic job on and off the courts! Student of the Year... Prepvolleyball Shining Stars and Defensive Dandies... JVA Showcase Standouts... Read more.
(June 3, 2018) - Our athletes are doing a fantastic job on and off the courts! Student of the Year... Prepvolleyball Shining Stars and Defensive Dandies... JVA Showcase Standouts... Read more.
15Blue/16Blue Get National Press, Push Nationally Ranked Teams to the Limit at JVA
(June 3, 2018) - At various Memorial Day Weekend tournaments, all Xceleration teams competed hard and, in some cases, took home medals for their efforts against top flight competition at the JVA West Coast Cup in Long Beach and the Bayview Classic in San Mateo. Our 15Blue and 16Blue teams also received some press in Prepvolleyball.com's report on the JVA event. Read more.
(June 3, 2018) - At various Memorial Day Weekend tournaments, all Xceleration teams competed hard and, in some cases, took home medals for their efforts against top flight competition at the JVA West Coast Cup in Long Beach and the Bayview Classic in San Mateo. Our 15Blue and 16Blue teams also received some press in Prepvolleyball.com's report on the JVA event. Read more.
Congratulations to Xceleration's Class of 2018!
(May 15, 2018) - On behalf of Xceleration Volleyball Club, its friends and families, congratulations on your graduation! This symbolizes the culmination of years of hard work in the classroom (and on the courts). Your tremendous achievement is the accomplishment of a goal set years ago – and is a testament of your steadfast pursuit of your dreams. Read more.
(May 15, 2018) - On behalf of Xceleration Volleyball Club, its friends and families, congratulations on your graduation! This symbolizes the culmination of years of hard work in the classroom (and on the courts). Your tremendous achievement is the accomplishment of a goal set years ago – and is a testament of your steadfast pursuit of your dreams. Read more.
In Search of the Golden Tickets: Xceleration Heads to Warm and Sunny Denver for The Crossroads
(April 17, 2018) - On two separate weekends in March, nearly 500 college coaches, 1,500 teams, and 57,000 attendees descended upon 200 courts in the Colorado Convention Center to assess recruits, watch great action, and compete for a handful of Junior Nationals (JN) bids available at the Colorado Crossroads JN Qualifiers. Read more.
(April 17, 2018) - On two separate weekends in March, nearly 500 college coaches, 1,500 teams, and 57,000 attendees descended upon 200 courts in the Colorado Convention Center to assess recruits, watch great action, and compete for a handful of Junior Nationals (JN) bids available at the Colorado Crossroads JN Qualifiers. Read more.
Planes, Trains and Automobiles: 1 Weekend, 3 Tournaments, 3 States
(March 1, 2018) - Using various modes of transportation, Xceleration competed in different parts of the nation during the Presidents Day weekend in Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, and many parts of the Bay Area. At these locales, Xcel teams faced off against the highest levels of competition at the Triple Crown NIT, the Las Vegas Classic, and the NCVA tournaments and showcases. Read more.
(March 1, 2018) - Using various modes of transportation, Xceleration competed in different parts of the nation during the Presidents Day weekend in Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, and many parts of the Bay Area. At these locales, Xcel teams faced off against the highest levels of competition at the Triple Crown NIT, the Las Vegas Classic, and the NCVA tournaments and showcases. Read more.
The Sweet Sound of... WHISTLES?! Xceleration Launches 2018 Season at California Kickoff
At precisely 8 o’clock each morning and then again at 3 o’clock in the afternoon during the MLK Weekend, streams of volleyball fans across the Bay Area welcomed the sweet sound of whistles, which officially signaled the start of the 2018 competitive season for Xceleration and hundreds of other clubs at the NCVA California Kickoff. Read more.
At precisely 8 o’clock each morning and then again at 3 o’clock in the afternoon during the MLK Weekend, streams of volleyball fans across the Bay Area welcomed the sweet sound of whistles, which officially signaled the start of the 2018 competitive season for Xceleration and hundreds of other clubs at the NCVA California Kickoff. Read more.
There's Nothing Better Than Having Home Field Advantage
In its third year under the ownership group of Jim Ross, Andy Schroeder, and Jeremy Swann, Xceleration Volleyball Club is striving to make the 2018 season the best ever in club history. After completing the pre-tryout clinic sessions at Doughtery Valley HS with nearly 300 campers and tryouts with more than 350 participants at the Xceleration Sports Facility, the club can now focus on its 136 athletes and the upcoming 2018 season. Read more.
In its third year under the ownership group of Jim Ross, Andy Schroeder, and Jeremy Swann, Xceleration Volleyball Club is striving to make the 2018 season the best ever in club history. After completing the pre-tryout clinic sessions at Doughtery Valley HS with nearly 300 campers and tryouts with more than 350 participants at the Xceleration Sports Facility, the club can now focus on its 136 athletes and the upcoming 2018 season. Read more.
2016-2017 Newsletters
...And We All Lived Happily Ever After! JNs and AAUs Officially Close the 2017 Season
At the 2017 AAU Girls’ Junior National Volleyball Championships in Orlando, FL, where words like magic, dreams, fantasy, wonder, and happily ever after are part of the everyday vernacular, Xceleration’s 17Blue and 16Blue competed in the 44th annual installment of the largest volleyball event in the world.... And soon after the last point closed the 2017 AAU championships in Orlando, the 15Blue tossed its first serve nearly 1,600 miles away at the Minneapolis Convention Center for the 2017 USAV Girls’ Junior National Championships. Read more.
Opportunities Knock: Xceleration at the JVA West Coast Cup and Bay View Classic
The proverb “when one door closes, another one opens” says that even though you have lost an opportunity to do one thing, an opportunity to do something else has appeared. This quote is about missed opportunities. For years and years, the club has taken the safe route to end the club season at the Bay View Classic. The door was not necessarily closed, but an opportunity presented itself when faced with the option of traveling south to put a foot in the door at the inaugural JVA West Coast Cup – it was a no brainer. Read more.
Golden Games for Xceleration at Power League Regionals
At about this time of the year – every year – at various graduation ceremonies across the nation, we hear from eloquent and distinguished speakers imparting profound words of wisdom and encouragement in their commencement addresses. We also hear these dynamic speakers showering students with overwhelming praise for their glorious achievements as they cross another threshold. Read more.
The Best is Yet to Come... Congratulations 2017 Grads!
Well, here we are. In the next few weeks, 18 Xceleration athletes will graduate from high school. They will attend commencement ceremonies, walk across the stage to accept their diplomas, and say goodbye to friends that they may never see again until their class reunions 25 years from now. Read more.
It's Halftime! Xceleration at the Crossroads
In several team sports, matches are played in two halves and the name given to the interval between the two halves is “halftime.” While it exists mainly to allow competitors to rest briefly and recover from the play of the first half, halftime also serves a number of other purposes... Read more.
Xceleration Spreads Its Wings Across the West on Presidents Day Weekend
Xceleration teams display competitive spirit in holiday tournaments and showcases... Eleven Xceleration squads celebrated in different parts of the nation during the Presidents Day weekend replete with images of our esteemed POTUS... Read more.
Enthusiasm, Excitement, Energy... Lead to XCELlent Results at the Cal Kickoff
Judging by the shrieks of laughter, screams of joy, and ear-piercing chants of “Go Xcel” in the din of the gym at the California Kickoff, one can tell that the teams from Xceleration are excited to get the season started, as many of the Xceleration teams were nearly in mid-season form before gearing up for Power League Qualifiers. Read more.
Xcel Fast and Furious II
Club Welcomes Highly Talented Athletes and Coaches with Plenty of Playing and Coaching Experience... In its second season under the ownership group of Jim Ross, Andy Schroeder, and Jeremy Swann, Xceleration Volleyball Club expects to continue its rapid pace of taking its young players on an “xcelerated” volleyball journey. Read more.
At the 2017 AAU Girls’ Junior National Volleyball Championships in Orlando, FL, where words like magic, dreams, fantasy, wonder, and happily ever after are part of the everyday vernacular, Xceleration’s 17Blue and 16Blue competed in the 44th annual installment of the largest volleyball event in the world.... And soon after the last point closed the 2017 AAU championships in Orlando, the 15Blue tossed its first serve nearly 1,600 miles away at the Minneapolis Convention Center for the 2017 USAV Girls’ Junior National Championships. Read more.
Opportunities Knock: Xceleration at the JVA West Coast Cup and Bay View Classic
The proverb “when one door closes, another one opens” says that even though you have lost an opportunity to do one thing, an opportunity to do something else has appeared. This quote is about missed opportunities. For years and years, the club has taken the safe route to end the club season at the Bay View Classic. The door was not necessarily closed, but an opportunity presented itself when faced with the option of traveling south to put a foot in the door at the inaugural JVA West Coast Cup – it was a no brainer. Read more.
Golden Games for Xceleration at Power League Regionals
At about this time of the year – every year – at various graduation ceremonies across the nation, we hear from eloquent and distinguished speakers imparting profound words of wisdom and encouragement in their commencement addresses. We also hear these dynamic speakers showering students with overwhelming praise for their glorious achievements as they cross another threshold. Read more.
The Best is Yet to Come... Congratulations 2017 Grads!
Well, here we are. In the next few weeks, 18 Xceleration athletes will graduate from high school. They will attend commencement ceremonies, walk across the stage to accept their diplomas, and say goodbye to friends that they may never see again until their class reunions 25 years from now. Read more.
It's Halftime! Xceleration at the Crossroads
In several team sports, matches are played in two halves and the name given to the interval between the two halves is “halftime.” While it exists mainly to allow competitors to rest briefly and recover from the play of the first half, halftime also serves a number of other purposes... Read more.
Xceleration Spreads Its Wings Across the West on Presidents Day Weekend
Xceleration teams display competitive spirit in holiday tournaments and showcases... Eleven Xceleration squads celebrated in different parts of the nation during the Presidents Day weekend replete with images of our esteemed POTUS... Read more.
Enthusiasm, Excitement, Energy... Lead to XCELlent Results at the Cal Kickoff
Judging by the shrieks of laughter, screams of joy, and ear-piercing chants of “Go Xcel” in the din of the gym at the California Kickoff, one can tell that the teams from Xceleration are excited to get the season started, as many of the Xceleration teams were nearly in mid-season form before gearing up for Power League Qualifiers. Read more.
Xcel Fast and Furious II
Club Welcomes Highly Talented Athletes and Coaches with Plenty of Playing and Coaching Experience... In its second season under the ownership group of Jim Ross, Andy Schroeder, and Jeremy Swann, Xceleration Volleyball Club expects to continue its rapid pace of taking its young players on an “xcelerated” volleyball journey. Read more.
