TO: Middle School Parents and Girls
We hope you have been having a happy summer! We are encouraged by the middle school participation at our volleyball camp in June and our open gyms throughout the summer. We love having a variety of ages in the gym enjoying the sport of volleyball, having fun, and challenging and encouraging one another. To that end, we are excited to let you know the details of our upcoming season for middle school!
We will be having two middle school teams who compete within and outside of our conference. Both teams will be comprised of 7th and 8th grade girls, and the teams will be based on skill level.
We are also pleased to offer a new opportunity to 6th grade girls who are interested in Covenant Day volleyball. We will be offering an in-house developmental skill squad that will meet on Wednesdays under the direction of Coach Ernsberger. We are thrilled to have the 6th grade girls join our program and will look for ways to incorporate them into our volleyball program.
Coaching Staff
The Lord has blessed us with a great group of coaches who are looking forward to investing in the girls in the volleyball program. Sport is a unique platform from which to connect and build relationships. We seek to use this platform and the gift of relationship to encourage one another and build one another up. Our faith in Jesus allows us the rich privilege of doing this Kingdom work!
Middle School
8th grade coach Melinda Davey 757-650-0681
8th grade asst coach Karen Ernsberger 980-200-864
7th grade coach Olivia Hopkins 704-614-2786
6th grade skill squad Karen Ernsberger 980-200-864
Junior Varsity (JV)
JV head coach Michelle Embry 704-989-0325
JV assistant coach Wade Tapp 704-785-0789
Varsity
Varsity head coach Heather Mills 704-619-1711
Varsity asst coach Karen Stewart 704-650-2392
Our newly named athletic director, Sherry Kapelar, started at Covenant Day School on July 1. We welcome her to CDS and are looking forward to her leadership in athletics. She will be in and out of the gym while we gear up for our fall season, so players and parents will have plenty of opportunities to meet her. Coach David Houseton, our assistant athletic director, and Mary Hill, the athletic administrative assistant, continue to faithfully serve in their respective roles.
MS Volleyball Tryouts
On August 10 and 11 from 9:00-11:00 a.m., we will offer a free clinic to all 7th and 8th grader girls trying out for the MS volleyball teams. The clinic will be hosted by the varsity volleyball players and will be held in the Main Gym. Though not required, it is recommended that 7th and 8th graders attend the free two-day clinic prior to tryouts. Tryouts will be held Friday, Aug ust 12 from 9:00 a.m. until noon in the Main Gym.
Athletic Forms
In order for a student to try out for a CDS sport, he/she must have the following items completed:
1) Parent Permission Form (once per school year)
2) Insurance payment of $20 (once per school year)
3) Concussion Agreement Form
4) Athletic Physical Exam (valid one year after exam date)
5) Review Athletic Handbook
All requirements outlined above must be completed before tryouts. Players are not permitted to try out without an updated physical exam form on file with our Athletic Department. All of these items are available on the CDS Parent Portal: covenantday.org/parent/athletics-portal.
NOTE: CDS will not be offering athletic physicals at the school this year. Changes to the healthcare laws have made it difficult to find a physician to perform this service. Athletes in need of a physical, who cannot get an appointment with their personal physician, should go to Urgent Care or Minute Clinic for an athletic physical. If you have any questions, contact our trainer, Mary Melton, at .
6th Grade Volleyball Skill Squad
We are pleased to announce a new program for our rising 6th grade girls! This is an exciting opportunity for our 6th grade girls to be introduced into the CDS volleyball family. All 6th grade girls are invited to participate. We will not have tryouts for this group; however, participants will still be required to complete all athletic forms (see above). Sessions will provide an opportunity to develop skills, to encourage participation in the sport of volleyball, and to enjoy the wonderful Covenant Day volleyball community. This program will meet on Wednesdays from 3:00-4:30 p.m. under the direction of Coach Ernsberger. Email Coach Ernsberger () to express interest in the 6th grade program and to receive more information. The skill squad will meet every Wednesday from August 31 through October 12.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Here to Serve,
Coach Mills, Varsity Head Coach
Coach Davey, MS A Team
Coach Hopkins, MS B Team
Coach Ernsberger, Skills Squad and Assistant MS A Team Coach