The Far Western National Qualifier, scheduled at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center through 2016, expanded to two weekends of competition in 2008. Organizers say the event is drawing 927 teams this year, consisting of approximately 12 players and two coaches per team. This family event is expected to draw more than 12,000 players, coaches and family members to the region each weekend, with an estimated economic impact of more than $7 million over the course of the event. With more than 14,000 members, the NCVA represents the 4^th largest region of USA Volleyball in the United States. The tournament includes players from Nevada, California, Hawaii, New York, Texas, Alaska, Colorado, Utah, Arizona, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Virginia, Wyoming and Florida.

 

Players in the competition are between the ages of 10 and 18. The Far Western National Qualifier serves as the official stepping-stone to becoming a part of the U.S. Olympic Team. Two players from the NCVA region competed in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and two-time Olympic Gold Medal Winner Kerry Walsh is a former NCVA club player. Teams attending the Far Western National Qualifier can earn a bid to compete in the USA Volleyball Girls’ Junior Nationals, June 28 – July 7 in Columbus, Ohio. USA Volleyball is the national governing body for the sport of volleyball as recognized by the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and the Federation Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB).