08/22/2022
Early on in 2002, Paul Claridades, Paul Chinundet, Michael Sankoff, and Danny Pianne started Charleston Volleyball Club (CVC) in order to help WV kids get an opportunity to play college volleyball in their own state. We also wanted to make learning volleyball more about desire and dedication and not about how much money you spend. Paul Claridades said, βPersonally I started the club because I couldnβt accept the idea of retiring from the sport as a player. So I decided to be a coach and stay close to the game.β After 20 years, the club has sent 85 former members on to receive college volleyball scholarships. While this number solely reflects those who committed to continuing both their educational and volleyball careers, it doesnβt even come close to the players who were seen, learned more than just volleyball, or were given an opportunity that they never could have believed was possible. From PChin, βPaul kept on with the club believing everyone should be able to play and have the chance to better themselves regardless of where they came from or financial situation. Donations, fund raisers, Spikefest, and the founding coaches not expecting to be paid helped offset the cost to the players so everyone could play. I still carry this ideal Paul established as I coach high school and constantly be amazed by players others have given up on.β While many do not realize or want to admit, Paul, Paul, Michael, and Danny were trailblazers for club volleyball in the state of WV. An amazing group of mentors for players, club directors, referees, and other coaches across the state have impacted us far more than we can thank them for in a post. We owe a lot to Paul, Paul, and Michael who stuck around to continue to impact the game at the club, high school, and collegiate levels. But itβs not without the vision, dedication, heart, and drive of Paul Claridades who kept this club going for an AMAZING 20 years.
We cannot even begin to brag about how amazing Paul has been as a coach, mentor, teacher, and director. Without him, there would be far less clubs in WV, far less opportunities for WV volleyball athletes, and less of a volleyball excellence standard. His continual sacrifices to the game, this club, and all around him have helped shape WV volleyball into what it is. The members of AVA/CVC owe Paul a lot, and we realize that. So thank you for your many years of dedication the the sport of volleyball, players and coaches across the state, as well as the families you have helped bring opportunities to. You have by far exceeded the goals and expectations set back in 2002. WV volleyball would not be where itβs at without you.
So it is with a sad, but full heart that we will be closing Appalachian Volleyball Academy. Thank you to all coaches, players, parents, and members for investing in Paulβs vision and trusting him to teach you and/ or your child the love for the game of volleyball and all itβs life lessons β€οΈπππ€β€οΈ
