06/19/2025
Important Update on the Future of Siuslaw Volleyball Club
Dear Siuslaw Volleyball Club Families and Community,
I hope this message finds you well. I’m writing today to share that I will be stepping down from my role as Director of Siuslaw Volleyball Club, and to provide some context regarding this difficult decision and the future of the program.
This past season has brought many challenges, not only logistically and financially, but also in terms of managing expectations and communication between parents, players, and coaches. While our shared goal has always been to create a positive and supportive environment for young athletes, this season revealed some significant gaps between our intentions and how situations unfolded.
One of the most difficult aspects of this year was managing conflict and feedback. While we understand that parents and players will have concerns, many of those concerns were not brought to me constructively. Instead, coaches were often attacked personally, and that negativity took a toll on their ability to lead and enjoy their work. It also created a great deal of strain on me as a director, and impacted the overall tone of the program.
It’s important for everyone involved to understand that a successful youth sports program relies on mutual respect and collaboration. When disagreements or concerns arise, we must be able to address them as a team. Unfortunately, this year many situations escalated unnecessarily, making it difficult to build the kind of healthy and thriving culture we all want for our athletes.
In addition to interpersonal challenges, we faced serious financial hurdles. Shortly after stepping into the role of Director, I learned that we had lost our long-standing fundraising partnership with Ocean Dunes Golf Course, which historically served as our primary source of funding. I worked quickly to secure a new opportunity with Florence Golf Links, and was optimistic about that path forward. However, with the recent change in ownership, Florence Golf Links has decided not to support the volleyball club at this time.
Without this crucial fundraising support, we are simply not in a financial position to continue operating the program. Despite raising participation fees this year, costs related to tournaments, coaching, and operational needs exceeded our estimates. To finish the season, I personally contributed over $900 to ensure our commitments were fulfilled.
I want to be transparent in saying that I had hoped to be reimbursed for some of my financial investment through the club’s remaining funds, but that no longer seems possible. While this is personally disappointing, I remain proud of the effort and heart I put into trying to sustain the program through a difficult year.
As we look to the future, I sincerely hope that new leadership will step forward to guide Siuslaw Volleyball Club into its next chapter. However, I also want to be candid: whoever takes on this role will need to be prepared to address several systemic issues. These include:
• Effectively managing parent involvement and expectations, with clear boundaries and communication protocols.
• Ensuring coaches are supported and respected in their roles.
• Addressing cross-program participation concerns that led to complications this season.
• Rebuilding a positive team culture that prioritizes development, fairness, and fun.
• Securing consistent and reliable fundraising avenues to sustain club operations.
This work is essential if the club is to grow and succeed long-term. I’m hopeful that with a fresh start and strong leadership, those goals can be achieved.
I want to offer my heartfelt thanks to the coaches who committed their time, energy, and passion this season. Your dedication to the athletes, your patience in navigating complex dynamics, and your willingness to keep showing up despite the challenges did not go unnoticed. You made it possible for these athletes to have a season, and I am deeply grateful for everything you contributed.
To all the athletes who gave their best this season, I thank you. Your dedication and hard work did not go unnoticed. And to the families who supported not only their children but the broader program in constructive ways, your contributions meant a great deal.
It’s been an honor to serve the Siuslaw volleyball community, and while this chapter is ending for me, I remain optimistic about what’s possible in the future.
Sincerely,
Jordan Nivilinszky
Former Director, Siuslaw Volleyball Club
