Mikasa Sports Signs with NVL

Posted on February 6, 2013 by admin

MIKASA SPORTS USA LINKS DEAL TO BE THE OFFICIAL BALL PROVIDER OF THE NATIONAL VOLLEYBALL LEAGUE

Irvine, Calif. – January 30, 2013 – Mikasa Sports, a world leader in the manufacturing of volleyballs and other sports equipment, has continued to demonstrate its commitment to the sport of volleyball by signing a four year, six-figure sponsorship deal with the National Volleyball League (“NVL”). Mikasa will partner with the NVL and other sponsors in helping to drive the sport’s growth in the United States.

As a part of their partnership, Mikasa will provide their state of the art, FIVB approved volleyballs to all NVL events as well as other youth and community events organized by the NVL. In keeping with both companies’ desire to grow the sport, Mikasa will be launching a new series of NVL balls with exciting and edgy colors in the near future.

“We are thrilled and proud to partner with the NVL. Mikasa shares the NVL’s passion for the game and its desire to expand volleyball’s reach in the USA” said Henry Hasegawa, CEO of Mikasa USA.

Mikasa has been the official indoor volleyball of the Olympics’ since 1964 and has been the official outdoor volleyball from its inception as an Olympic Sport.

“We look forward to partnering with Mikasa who will help us to showcase the players, sport and lifestyle of beach volleyball among new and existing audiences nationwide,” said Albert Hannemann, Founder of the NVL. “Ultimately, we see this as a perfect fit and are looking forward to our long term partnership with an industry leader that shares the same goals to grow the sport. The best players in the world use Mikasa volleyballs and the NVL is where the best players compete.”

ABOUT MIKASA

In 1973 Mikasa arrived in California to set up headquarters where it could better satisfy the demand of North American athletes. We understand the passion and inspiration it takes to be an athlete, no matter what level. We feel the same way about our athletic game balls and all of the athletic wear we produce.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL VOLLEYBALL LEAGUE

The National Volleyball League is the premiere professional beach volleyball

Association in the U.S. Founded in 2010 by 18-year professional beach volleyball veteran Albert Hannemann, The NVL has been created and designed to fully support the needs of the players, fans and sponsors.

-Mr. John Flaherty

Mikasa Sports

1st Place Volleyball kicked off the 2013 tournament season!

Posted on January 29, 2013 by admin

1st Place Volleyball kicked off the 2013 tournament season with their new partners at Tournament Magic this past weekend at the A-town Showdown in Atlanta!

There was a serious chill in the Georgia air, but 1st Place came to the rescue with volleyball hoodies, Snoozie slippers, and fleece volleyball blankets.
To get even warmer, the players stopped by the booth regularly to warm-up for their games “Gangnam Style”.

Volleyball teams were not the only ones participating in a serious showdown; we captured the attention of the Dad- crowd by streaming the Atlanta Falcon/San Francisco 49er NFC Championship game live on the 1st Place TV. After a heartfelt loss, the viewing Falcon fans found consolation in purchasing shoes, spandex and kneepads.

The 1st Place truck was unloaded only a day after return, and the Capitol Hill Classic has become our focus for these next couple of weeks. We’re looking forward to seeing you in D.C.!

1PV 2013 Tournament Schedule Is Now Available!

Posted on January 16, 2013 by admin

It’s that time of year again and here at 1^st Place Volleyball, we are excited to start this year’s tournament season. The 2013 tournament schedule is as follows:

A-Town Showdown

Come stop by the 1st Place Volleyball booth at this years A-Town Showdown held at the Georgia World Congress Center over Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, January 19 – 21, 2013. The entry fee of $495 is the lowest in the South over MLK weekend. Over the course of the three-day tournament, all teams play in one central location.

Capitol Hill Classic

Come have fun with 1st Place Volleyball at the Capitol Hill Classic in Washington, D.C. February 16-18. All play, all divisions will be at the Walter E. Washington D.C. Convention Center in downtown DC at 801 Mount Vernon Place N.W., Washington, D.C. Entries will be accepted on a first come-first served basis until the space is filled. Two teams per club per age division will be accepted into the tournament until the division is filled or January 18, 2013, whichever comes first. After January 18, acceptance is at the tournament’s discretion.

OVA Asics Invite

Location: Orange County Convention Center 9800 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819
Orlando Sports Center 6700 Kingspointe Parkway Orlando, FL 32819

Check-in: Friday, March 1st, 2013 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at the Orlando Sports Center
Club’s are required to have USA Volleyball Medical Release forms for all players present at check-in. The Florida Region will be performing spot checks during check-in. All coaches must carry the original Medical Release Form with them for the duration of the event.

Dates: March 2nd-3rd, 2013

Colorado Crossroads

Come hang with the 1st Place crew in Denver, Colorado for this two week long event. Colorado Crossroads is a multi-day volleyball tournament with USA Volleyball-sanctioned Junior National Qualifier divisions. Girls will descend on Denver March 2 – 4 and March 8 – 10, 2013 at the Colorado Convention Center 700 14th St Denver, CO.

Big South NQ

On March 29-31, 2013 girls’ volleyball takes over the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta at the Big South National Qualifier located at 285 Andrew Young International Blvd., N.W Atlanta, GA 30313.

JVA World Challenge

Mark your calendars as we head to Louisville, KY April 12-14. Top 2 teams in each division earn a paid entry to AAU Nationals. Live music and on-court awards ceremonies, 3 championship courts with live web streaming, an interactive tournament app with contests and prizes all day long.

USAV Florida Regionals

We’re packin’ up and headin’ south to Orlando for the USAV Florida Regionals, April 20-21, 2013.

AAU Nationals

Mark your calendars! The 2013 AAU Girls Junior National Volleyball Championships have been set to take place June 18-26, 2013 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Looking for volleyballs gifts for this holiday season?

Posted on October 29, 2012 by admin

Looking for volleyballs gifts for this holiday season? 1^stPlace Volleyball has tons of accessories and apparel for you to choose from.

Looking for stockings or gift card holders to hang on your tree for that special someone? Check out 1^st Place Volleyball’s Christmas Volleyball Stockings that are available in 8 team colors with the option of embroidery. The Christmas Volleyball Holder can not only be used to hold gift cards and money, but they can also be used to keep your gym bag smelling fresh. After you have used your gift card holder for this season, insert scented salts in the pouch and toss it in your bag to have a fresh clean smell every time you unzip. Dress yourself up with the Volleyball Cuff Watch or Volleyball Cable Necklace, which will launch 11/5/2012. Stay warm and stylish with Rox Volleyball’s Beach Zip Hoodie or Mizuno Fleece Women’s Pullover that are available in many fun vibrant colors. Hurry up and order 1^st Place Volleyball’s Snoozies so your special athlete can keep there feet warm Christmas Eve. Why wait last minute to get gifts for your favorite volleyball player? Hurry up and get a head start before inventory runs out!

Check out other great gifts here at Volleyball Gifts !

Looking for a special gift, but can’t find it on our website? Give us a call and we will do our very best to find what you are looking for and a great price. 877-878-8327

1st Place Volleyball Affiliate Program

Posted on October 18, 2012 by admin

By joining the 1^st Place Volleyball Affiliate Program, you can sit back and make money just by providing a link to 1^stPlaceVolleyball.com. We will provide the best selection of high quality, low priced volleyball gear to your favorite follower base! Selling is easy, Just put 1^st Place Volleyball’s banners and links on your website, and when a visitor clicks through to 1stplacevolleyball.com and places an orderm you’ll earm a percentage of sales! We do all the hard work by processing the order, billing the customer, shipping the merchandise, and providing the customer service. It’s that easy!

Make Money

Products of the highest quality from Adidas, Asics, Mizuno, Nike, Rox, Under Armour, and all of our other fine vendors are available to you customers! 1^st Place Volleyball pays you 10% on all sales that originate from our site-excluding tax, shipping and “super” sale items. There is no limit to how much you can make. 1^st Place Volleyball will send you a check along with your reports once a month.

Maximizing Sales

1^st Place volleyball will provide you with a series of customized links and banners for you to place anywhere you think could generate a sale, for instance:

Place the banner on your website-Not just on your homepage-The more visibility the more sales!
Create a store button and link it to 1stplacevolleyball.com using you affiliate link
Use your affiliate code in the signature of your emails
Place your affiliate link on all marketing materials, flyers, e-blasts and more!

It’s Simple, Free & Fun

There is no charge to join the 1^st Place Volleyball Affiliate program. In fact, we pay you! Every time a customer you refer to us buys from our site, you’ll earn 10% of the sale.

How Do I Sign Up?

Email courtneyd@1stplacevolleyball.com for affiliate program contract and you will be just a few steps away from making simple money!

Truth About Sublimated Volleyball Jerseys

Posted on April 11, 2012 by admin

The Raw Truth of Your Sublimation Volleyball Jersey:

It’s the hottest thing on the court. Most manufactures are making them and some of the hottest teams are wearing them; giving indoor volleyball not only a new look but a whole new personality. So let’s find out what sublimation really is.

Sublimation is a simple process of three things; water based ink, heat and pressure. Unlike other volleyball jerseys that use heat transfers or screen-printing, this process actually dyes the ink into the fabric leaving you with a smooth surface that will not crack or wash out. Before your volleyball jersey is made it starts our as a digital image that is printed on paper using a sublimation machine. Then the paper is removed and sent through a heat-press machine along with the fabric that is mostly comprised of polyester. This process is a slow process that takes place under intense 400-degree heat. During this time the dye sub inks, water based inks, are lifted from the sheet and dyed into the fabric. After this process is finished the fabrics are sewed together to create your unique customized volleyball jersey.

Sublimated volleyball jerseys are the new way to make your own unique statement on the court. This new process gives you the chance to choose any color or image to personalize your team’s volleyball jerseys. With less cons and more pros, its leaves you with not only the best looking uniform on the court, but the smartest. Sublimation is giving your game and volleyball jersey no Limits! Tell us at 1^st Place Volleyball your thoughts on sublimated volleyball jerseys.

PROS: Never washes out, never cracks, any color or image, long lasting, no limits

CONS: May cause envy amongst opponents, random people may want pictures with you and you might catch yourself dancing in the mirror in your jersey

We carry Rox, Mizuno and Nike sublimated volleyball jerseys. Shop online or call us at 1.877.878.8327 for more information.

Ankle Strengthening for Volleyball Players

Posted on April 9, 2012 by admin

We’ve been here before. Our coaches and athletic trainers told us, but you thought it wouldn’t happen to you. You just rolled your ankle and now you’re wondering do I have to wear ankle braces for life when I play volleyball? Yes and no.

Ankle braces are a wonderful way to protect yourself from this horrible injury. If you talk to your coach, doctor or athletic trainer, they will recommend ankle braces when practicing and playing on the court. Active Ankle and Mizuno Ankle Braces are the top-rated and most commonly used braces around. You can find great deals on both here. However, there are several simple exercises that you can do additionally to strengthen and prevent. Thanks to Active.com, we have listed a few. Perform these after your warm-up and stretching routine to gain the most benefit.

Balance Training:

Standing on one leg: Hold for 30 seconds, working up to one minute per leg.

Balance and catch: Standing on one leg, catch and throw a ball with a partner. Make certain to throw the ball right, left, high, low. Perform three sets of 30.

One leg mini squats: On one leg do a half squat with the opposite leg out front for 10 reps, out to the side for 10 reps and behind for 10 reps. Repeat three times.

Strengthening: The ankle can be strengthened in several ways. The first exercise uses thera-band for resisted range of motion. Thera-band can be purchased at a medical supply store. When performing the following exercises, place the band around the top of the foot and curl the toes at the end of the movement to work the internal muscles of the foot. Perform three sets of 20 in each direction.

Calf Raises: Calf raises should be done both seated and standing to strengthen both calf muscles and the Achilles tendon. Perform 3 sets of 20.

Scissor hops: Begin in a lunge position. Jump and switch feet in mid-air landing with the opposite foot forward.

Standing squat jumps: Begin in a quarter squat position. Jump from that position and land softly.

Bounding: On the toes, take large bounding steps in at about 50 percent of running maximum speed. One repetition should be about 50 feet.

Orlando Volleyball Academy 17 Asics Start Strong, Finishing Strong

Posted on April 9, 2012 by admin

The Orlando Volleyball Academy 17 Asics are off to a fantastic start to the 2012 season. In January, the 17 Asics captured the OVA MLK Tournament 18 Open Division crown by beating Boomers 18s, nationally-ranked A5-18s, and the #1 Ranked 18s team in the nation, Tampa Bay Juniors 18 Black. In February, the 17 Asics traveled to Las Vegas to for the SCVA Las Vegas Classic. With over 100 teams entered in the 17 Open division, it was a challenging tournament. OVA rose to the occasion, beating top teams from California and Texas. In the semi-finals, OVA fought and lost to the eventual champion Texas Advantage Volleyball 17 Black finishing 3^rd. In March, OVA 17 Asics won the 18 Open Division of the Orlando Volleyball Academy Asics Invitational. Last weekend, the team traveled to the Mideast Qualifier in Indianapolis, Indiana. With over 40 teams entered in the 17 Open Division, the OVA 17 Asics defeated teams from CA, IL, IN and OH to win the tournament and secure their bid to the USAV Junior National Tournament held in July in Columbus, OH. This past weekend, the team clenched the 17 Open Title at the Big South Volleyball Tournament in Atlanta, Georgia. The girls are now prepping for two tournaments before Nationals, the Show Me Qualifier in April and the National Junior Classic over Memorial Day.

The Orlando Volleyball Academy 17 Asics are led by outside hitter Lindsey Owens and setter/right side Hailey Luke. Both girls have been on the same team since they were 12s and have been a consistent force for this team. They have led this team to 2 AAU National Championships and 3 Top 3 Finishes at USAV Nationals. In 2011, both players were named to the All Tournament team at USA Nationals behind their 3^rd place finish in the 16 Open division. Lindsey is a junior at Bishop Moore High School and led the Hornets to the State Finals this season. She is an outstanding 6-rotation player who can pass and hit with precision. Lindsey has committed to Virginia Tech in the Class of 2013. Hailey is a junior at Lake Brantley High School. Hailey’s hard work and dedication to the sport of volleyball has paid dividends. Hailey sets and hits right side for the 17 Asics. She has great vision of the court and has a high volleyball IQ. She is also an outstanding beach volleyball player. Hailey has committed to play volleyball for Florida State University in the Class of 2013. This team’s success stems from the consistency and mental toughness that this group has shown over the years. They always fight back and even when they are down, never count them out.

Capitol Hill Classic Volleyball 2012 Tournament Wrap Up

Posted on February 23, 2012 by admin

Two full trucks of ROX, Asics, Nfinity, Mizuno, Nike and Under Armour gear plus 800 volleyball teams in the nation’s capital is sure to be a good time. The 1st Place Volleyball cheered, sold, snapped photos, shot videos, peppered and hung out with our favorite peeps while sneaking some time away for food and sleep in this crazy fun President’s holiday weekend. Thanks for all the teams, parents, directors and coaches for stopping by the booth! We had a blast being a part of the dance offs! We couldn’t be happier about the success of this event. Take a look at this year’s photos. We will be loading the video’s soon so stay tuned! Next up…Colorado Crossroads!

2012 Capitol Hill Classic-1st Place Volleyball

1st Place Volleyball's photos from the 2012 Capitol Hill Classic in Washington, DC

Asics Gel Flashpoint Women’s Volleyball Shoe Available to Pre-Order

Posted on February 23, 2012 by admin

That’s right; the long awaited, most talked about volleyball shoe is ready for pre-order! 1st Place Volleyball has opened the Asics Gel Flashpoint volleyball shoe for internet orders for a June 1 ship date at the cheapest price on the internet.

THE BOTTOM LINE: This shoe is for players who want to standout on the court-with the game to back it up! The Asics Gel Flashpoint offers a unique look that will for sure get you noticed.

Rearfoot and Forefoot Gel Cushioning Systems
Solyte Midsole Material
NC Rubber Outsole
Lightweight, weighing at 8.6 ounces

Be the first on the court with the Asics Gel Flashpoint volleyball shoe. It also comes in a Orange Flame/Neon Blue/Hot Pink.

Asics Gel Flashpoint Volleyball Shoe in Black/Neon Yellow/ Hot Pink

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