Rockwall, TX (May 14, 2025) – In North Texas, where sports and community go hand in hand, a team at AmeriSports Rockwall is serving up success and sportsmanship with a powerful story that began with prayer.
Last year, Coach Steve Hutcheson and his wife Vanette, with the support of the AmeriSports Rockwall Volleyball Director, Maggie Younger, prayed for a 14u Nationals team to come together for a great purpose. “We really did pray over each player,” said Coach Hutch, as he is affectionately known. “Not only asking for guidance on the player we needed, but also for the one who needed the team.”
As Coach Hutch says, when you put all these things together the pieces fall into place.
An incredibly special 14u Navy team, nine young athletes from the Rockwall area including Royse City, Wylie and Forney, did fall into place. While smaller in stature (the tallest barely approaching 6 ft) and numbers they are big in heart, faith, ability, and determination.
Showing promise early on, the team entered the USA Volleyball (USAV) Mid-East National Qualifier tournament in St. Louis in March and revealed the true strength of this team. Competing against 109 teams in the Liberty Division, the 14u Navy team lost their first match and saw a team member suffer a sprain. Despite the setback, this bonded group rose to the challenge, winning their next ten matches ultimately coming out victorious – earning a prestigious bid to the USAV National Championships June 25-28 in Dallas!
According to USA Volleyball, the North Texas Region is the most competitive and one of the smallest regions in the nation, but this brand-new team clearly has all the tools for success!
Their quick success may be surprising for a new team that also happens to be small in numbers and size, but their foundation gives them an edge.
“The members of this team play as one unit and, in the end, God gets the glory,” says Coach Hutch. The young athletes affirm this with their attitude on and off the court. Their love for the Lord is evident as is their love for each other. And that unity rolls over to the parents as well. This is a supportive group with no cliques.
“Positive touch” and “short term memory” are important to the team philosophy and strategy. These athletes support each other even in difficult matches. When something goes wrong a team member will offer a gentle touch to the arm to say, “it’s ok, I’ve got you.” This support and encouragement are important because once the ball is in motion you only have 4.5 seconds until it comes right back. Making mistakes is a natural part of learning but the importance of moving on is a critical lesson.
But do not be mistaken, these young athletes have skill. They play fast and are deceptively agile and strong. Their tempo serves them well, taking their opposition off their game.
Despite their recent and future success, this brand-new team is most importantly displaying sportsmanship reflecting strong values, hard work, and commitment. Traits to be commended and appreciated!
This 14u Navy team represents the absolute best in youth sports – in the best of ways – on and off the court.
BRN Staff Report. Photos courtesy of AmeriSports Rockwall.
Faith, Grit, and Game: Rockwall 14u volleyball team earns spot at nationals added by Melanie M on
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