The Arizona Region of USA Volleyball takes a moment to praise the teams going above and beyond to exhibit good sportsmanship, citizenship and/or enthusiasm/excellence as "work teams" at our AZ Region events.

MAY 2025

Aspire - Kudos to Atomic 16 Energy to split up to ref to allow matches to start on-time.

Greenway - 14 Club - Killer day as far as attitudes, sportsmanship and stepping up!

Thanks to:

RRVBC reffing two games at the same time TWICE.
VOS for repeatedly asking if I needed anything.
Gunners Force Recon for stepping up to ref an extra game to get afternoon play started early. Also, to their head coach who took multiple bags of trash with him at the end of the day.
Altitude for taking up on reffing duty for another team to leave.
Shout out to official Bob Yesenski for always having my back!

MARCH 2025

Apollo High School
Shoutout to Oasis 14 National for stepping up during another team's warm-up. They helped shag balls to protect an active game on a nearby court that was running behind schedule — great sportsmanship and awareness!

Special recognition to Referee Mike Smith for his outstanding officiating. He received high praise for his positive attitude, fair calls, and thoughtful leniency, allowing the 13s to learn and grow during their match.

KUDOS to the AZ Outlaws Parents!

A Special Message From AZ Region Commissioner Harold Cranswick

The weekend of March 22nd, I witnessed something truly special.

During a close match, a ball from the opposing team dropped right on the very tip of the corner—one of those razor-thin calls that could go either way. The line judge called it “in,” and I braced myself, expecting the usual reactions we sometimes hear from the stands.

But what I heard instead? Nothing but positivity.

The Outlaws parents—seated just feet away from the call—didn’t complain. They didn’t protest. They simply clapped, cheered, and lifted up their daughters and team with encouragement.

It was a textbook example of great sportsmanship—the kind we hope to see at every match. I was so moved that I walked over, introduced myself, and told them just how proud I was of their conduct. Then I gave them a round of applause.

I just wish someone had caught that moment on camera.

To the Outlaws family: thank you for setting the standard.

March 15 – Apollo High School
All teams displayed phenomenal attitudes throughout the day — even when things didn’t go their way. The sportsmanship and positive energy were top-notch. It was all about the love of the game and having fun!

March 23 – Independence High School
Shoutout to AZ Sky 15N1 for stepping up to help ref when the schedule shifted to a 3-team pool. Your flexibility and support kept things running smoothly!

FEBRUARY 2025

ALA West Foothills – Big thanks to EV VOS 12U for helping clean up the gym after the tournament!

Independence HS – Shoutout to South Phx Rebels for stepping up to ref two late matches after 9 PM, ensuring the Benson team could get on the road. Your kindness and sportsmanship were truly amazing!

From Apollo Site Director

All teams in the AM & PM wave were respectful, cooperative, respectful to each other, staff and the facility. Super Smooth Day! THANK YOU!

Shout out to Nexus14 Green for helping take down the courts at the end of play. xoxo

From Independence High School

Before heading out, AVA 16 Red took the initiative to clean up the gym and team camp areas, even picking up trash that wasn’t their own. Thank you for your help and sportsmanship!

JANUARY 2025

From Combs High School

Livewire 15 Black stayed to ref the last match so that Starlings 4 Corners could head home. Much thanks to them!

From Apollo High School:

B2B and Oasis clubs had baskets for water bottles on the court.

From Greenway High School

Thanks to Omni 15s for staying to help take down the nets.