JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas –
The U.S. Air Force Varsity Volleyball League was formed in 2022 to provide an opportunity for the Department of the Air Forces’ installation varsity volleyball teams to compete amongst other club teams in their local area.
In 2023, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph was invited to join the league and a call went out across JBSA to form a team.
With more than 36 players, JBSA was able to form women’s, men’s, and co-ed teams to represent JBSA. JBSA-Randolph serves as the host installation for games and practice. The team competes across San Antonio and the surrounding area.
“As well as our Air Force personnel, the team also has members from the Army, Navy, and Marines along with some military dependents and DOD civilians,” said Capt. Haley Nast, JBSA Varsity Volleyball co-ed team coach and managing committee member. “We’re able to capitalize off the uniqueness of the joint base. This allows airmen to interact with members from other services.”
While there are many physical benefits to playing volleyball, the biggest one appears to be the camaraderie and increased morale it brings the players.
“The improved morale can be seen by just watching the players,” Nast said. “A lot of them are just happy to be back in the game and playing at a competitive level again.”
For those interested in joining the team here are some things to keep in mind. Varsity volleyball is a step higher than intramural or recreational volleyball. The team is looking for competitive skilled players with experience.
“Players need to work as a team, have discipline and commitment to the team, and a willingness to be coached and improve,” Nast said.
The volleyball team is also a great way for the local JBSA community to show its spirit. As this is a new program, funds for travel and uniforms are not currently available to the team.