Extreme Volleyball Tourney Raises Local Interest in the Sport
A total of 43 teams turned out for the grass volleyball tournament put on the weekend of June 13-14 by Northern Extreme Volleyball.
The event sought to raise funds for the local Northern Lakes chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI), as well as Northern Extreme's mission to grow the sport of volleyball for all ages in the Northwoods, according to founder and coach Julie Smith.
Smith was pleased with the number of teams that signed up, noting the inaugural year of the event netted 32 teams. The dreary weather of the weekend didn't diminish the spirits of the players who showed up ready to ball, although Saturday's rain did cause a one-hour delay to the event.
"The rain stopped fairly early so the courts were not to sloppy, however there were intermittent small rain bursts throughout the day on Saturday," Smith said. "The players actually enjoyed playing with the fine mist most of the day. The only downfall is that the volleyball gets a bit heavy. Temps all weekend were perfect!"
Players could sign up to play as men's and women's triples as well as co-ed quads. In addition to the game series taking place throughout the weekend, there also was concessions sold on site.
The tournament was a family affair, with Smith receiving help from her husband and their children, as well as community volunteers.
"We have five adult children that love the sport and are always the main help with organizing, bracket compilation, sales, marketing; and of course they play as well. They are quite advanced players so they have a sibling pact that they will not play together, so they each bring in their own team," Smith said. "My husband Craig is on the grill all day long and other than our kids, we have been fortunate to receive event help to sell concessions and sales at the beverage stand from other family and good friends. So fortunate to have so much support!"
There also were a number of local businesses and organizations from the Eagle River, St. Germain and Minocqua area that acted as sponsors — some first-timers and some returning for their second year. In the Gold Sponsor tier were Andy's Pontoon Saloon, Chain O' Lakes Camping Resort and CornerStone Custom Builders. Silver Sponsors included Trig's, Red Canoe Coffee, Cathy's Ice Cream and Candy Shoppe and A Diamond in the North Boutique. At the Bronze Sponsor level were Eggleston Blinds, Naturista Monarch and Waupaca Boatride.
Smith said she has big goals to grow this event, looking toward expanding divisions and adding a 50-plus division for the 2026 tournament. Plans are already underway for the 2026 Northern Extreme Grass Volleyball, and she also is looking at adding an Extreme Juniors grass tournament for early August.
More information on the organization as well as upcoming events can be found at northernextremevb.com.
