By Joe Potter
Laker Correspondent
East Pasco YMCA in Zephyrhills has six teams participating in its first ever spring adult coed volleyball league.
The teams include New Walk No. 1, New Walk No. 2, Sideout, Misfits, Spikers and Century 21. Team members’ ages range from the late teens through the late 50s.
League play began May 18 and will conclude with championship playoffs July 6. Games begin at 6:30 p.m. each Tuesday.
Jeff Dicken, of Zephyrhills, said he was very excited about the YMCA’s decision to organize the spring league. Previously adult coed volleyball has only been available in the fall.
“I just love it. I have been waiting for something like this for years,” said Dicken, who is a member of the Misfits team.
Dicken’s wife, Molly, who is the team’s captain, picked its unusual name.
John Covington, of Wesley Chapel, thinks the league is great.
“It brings a lot of people together that maybe wouldn’t be out,” Covington said. “It’s a chance for a lot of people to get out and get some exercise and fellowship and have a lot of friendship with other people in the community.”
April Figueroa, of Wesley Chapel, said she loves the new league, adding, “It’s very nice, interesting and fun.”
Many of those in the league are playing the sport for the first time.
“It’s all new to me,” said Zephyrhills resident Christopher Perrigo. He added he was enjoying learning the game and getting some exercise.
Christopher and his wife, Sue, learned about the league in a unique way.
“We signed up for a league with our church (New Walk Church),” Perrigo said. “It’s something fun to do and a good family time.”
Covington, Figueroa and the Perrigos are all members of the New Walk No. 2 team.
Normally there are eight to 10 teams during the fall adult season. However, Shawn Brown of the YMCA indicated he was not disappointed with the turnout for the inaugural season of a spring league. Open nights had been offered on Tuesdays during March and April to gauge if there was enough interest to form the league.
Brown is the YMCA’s program director for adult sports, youth sports and summer day camp.
Registration has closed for the spring adult coed volleyball league, but there is plenty of time to register for the fall league. For more information about programs offered, visit the YMCA at 37301 Chapel Hill Loop in Zephyrhills or call (813) 780-9622.
