Starlings Northern Arizona 17's took the Gold Medal in the 18's Gold Division at the Starlings National Championships held June 20-23rd in San Diego, California. Head Coach, LaVor Thomas led his team in a rematch of the 2002 final against a tough Tijuana 18's team. Last year the result was reversed - Tijuana took the gold. This year the Northern Arizona team would not be denied - winning the match after dropping the first game to Tijuana 18's.
The Starlings Northern Arizona team is from the Navajo Reservation - actually based in Tuba City. Johanna Begay of the 2003 Arizona Region High Performance team is a member of the Starlings Northern Arizona team. This team finished 1st in the 18's Club Division at the Arizona Region Championships. They were then invited to play in our 18's Open Division Region Championships and they took 1st place in the Silver Division. Congratulations to LaVor Thomas and his team for a GREAT Season. For more on the Starlings Volleyball Clubs, USA, check out their website www.starlings.org
Other Arizona Teams that participated in the Starlings National Championships are:
Starlings Team AZ 18's (played in AZ Region as Tempe VBC 18's) - Gold Division - Tied for 5th - Coached by Tijuana Wilson
Starlings Team AZ 16-Reignbeaux - Gold Division - Tied for 8th - Coached by Paula Spratlen-Mitchell
Starlings Team AZ 16-Blue - Gold Division - Tied for 8th - Coached by Bob Wycoff
Starlings Team AZ 12-Big Dawgs - Gold Division - 2nd Place - Received the Silver Medal - Coached by Christina Wycoff
Starlings Team AZ 12-White - Silver Division - 3rd Place - Received the Bronze Medal - Coached by Dottie, Sheena and Shardai Sublett
Congratulations to all our Arizona teams participating in the Starlings National Championships. You all did a great job!!