Seven Champions Crowned at 2022 Girls 18 Championship

Sunshine Volleyball Club (SCVA) won two of the seven titles handed out Sunday at the 2022 USA Volleyball Girls 18 Junior National Championship.

A record 350 teams participated in the event, which included an additional two divisions over previous years. Sunshine won titles in the Open and USA divisions.

“It’s crazy,” said Elia Ruben of Sunshine 18 LA (Open). “I’ve been playing for Sunshine since I was 7 years old. The fact that it’s all over and we ended on the best note that we could end it on; its incredible.” Watch full interview.

The Sunshine team won 17 Open at last year’s Girls Junior National Championship, and coming back to win again was special. In Phoenix, they went 9-0 and defeated MadFrog 18 N Green (North Texas) 25-18, 25-21 for the title.

In USA, Sunshine 18 Westside also went 9-0, but had a tight final match, defeating, Capital 18 adidas (Badger Region) 25-18, 14-25, 15-12.

“There [are] no words. I’m literally crying,” said Kylee Owens of Sunshine 18 Westside. “I’m so proud of myself and the team, and all of us together. It’s been a long road.” Watch full interview.

In 18 National, Front Range Volleyball Club (Rocky Mountain Region) won a barnburner against Alliance 18 REN (Southern Region) for the title, 25-20, 24-26, 15-13.

“I’ve had a great time with this team,” said Quincey Coyle. “We went through some struggles at the beginning of the season, but we’ve really pulled together and really executed on our game a lot more.” Watch full interview.

In the Freedom division (one of the new divisions this year), Coast 18 Rachel (SCVA) defeated Paramount VBC 18 (Chesapeake Region), 25-20 25-12. Coast 18 dropped just two sets in the tournament.

“It’s surreal,” said Savanah Johnson. “This entire season we’ve been working. We’ve been going through so many changes, getting injured, getting sick with COVID, but I feel like it all paid off. We worked so hard.”  Watch full interview.

In 18 American, SA Juniors 18 adidas (Lone Star Region) defeated Viper 18-1 Jolynn/Kurstan (SCVA), 25-19, 18-25, 15-5.

GW/TZ 18 Asics (SCVA) won the 18 Liberty division with a 25-21, 25-21 victory over Arsenal 18 Gold (North Texas Region). GW/TZ’s Jaedyn Gonzalez said the whole team started together at 14s, and like all teams, has had many ups and downs.

“We all love each other, and we all play for each other,” she said. “Playing with each other for so long has made us have a really good bond. Going through challenges with each other makes it all worth it.” Watch full interview.

In 18 Patriot, SG Elite 18 Roshambo (SCVA) defeated Balboa Bay 18 Blue (SCVA), 15-15, 25-14. SG Elite’s Makena Morrison has been on the team since 13s.

“I’m so extremely proud of everyone; I’m gonna cry,” she said. “I love each and every one and they did such an amazing job this whole tournament.” Watch full interview.

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