Submitted Photo The Devils Lake U14 volleyball team; (Left to right) Rose Herrera, Emersyn Remmick, Berginn Yoder, Elin Skaar, Emma Hofstad, Lola Nelson, Riley Remmick, Jolie Canvanaugh, Trinity Kus and Kaigen Olson head to national competition July 8-11 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

DEVILS LAKE – It must be something in the water.

“I started a little travel team with some 5th and 6th grade girls,” said Christy Remmick, head coach of the U14 volleyball team in Devils Lake. “We played local class B towns so the girls could get some volleyball exposure. In 2022 we expanded to a U12 travel team with all sixth grade girls that played local class B towns but also traveled to tournaments in North Dakota.”

That level of incremental process and talent, skill and team development is foundational for any type of successful program. That same approach has helped many teams reach success in and around North Dakota.

“Honestly I think it’s the parents that have been willing to be dedicated to youth sports in Devils Lake,” said Remmick. “We have some families that have really stepped up in our community and worked really hard on these programs. They have spent many hours helping the sports in Devils Lake by coaching, working on improving facilities and providing opportunities for players. It shows in many of our programs.”

Improving facilities, providing competitive opportunities and teaching top level skill sets as individuals and teams is one thing. All of that effort is ineffective without the right mindset by the athletes.

“The kids are also very hard working and determined,” said Remmick. “It’s been fun to watch them grow in their abilities, confidence, and leadership over the years.”

The team decided to widen the competition pool in 2023 and began attending tournaments in Minnesota in addition to those in North Dakota.

The team, composed of eighth graders from Devils Lake Central Middle School and one seventh grader, has showcased exceptional talent and dedication. They have claimed six gold bracket championships in various cities across North Dakota, including Bismarck, Fargo, Minot, and Valley City.

Despite narrowly missing a bid during the regional qualifier in Minnesota, they received a call from the North Country Region of USA Volleyball and eagerly accepted the invitation to compete against 63 other teams in the American Division at the Mandalay Convention Center in July.

“I have been their coach since the start in 2021 and I also coached them at the middle school level in Devils Lake. Although a few of them moved up to the high school as eighth graders this past season,” said Remmick. “They have been working so hard and I couldn’t be more proud of them.”

The team will compete in the USA Volleyball National Tournament in Las Vegas, scheduled for July 8-11, 2024.

As the team prepares for the national tournament, they are actively fundraising to cover travel expenses. Operating as a “town team” without player fees, they rely on community support. The team has planned various initiatives, including a summer camp for younger players and setting up food stands, to raise funds.

For media inquiries, donations for team assistance or more information, please contact Coach at christy.remmick@gmail.com or 701-230-2285.