Blast Volleyball Academy

The clubs were formed to help further the development of girls' Juniors club volleyball in the Ocean State and has been the largest club in Rhode Island since its inception. In 2004, Blast added boys to the program offering teams for both genders.

The biggest difference from years past as RI Blast to becoming Blast Volleyball Academy, is the name. We have most of the coaches coming back, and we have strived to make improvements. Input from the June parents meeting helped to carve out new paths. My goal as a native Rhode Islander is to improve volleyball players and coaches in Southern New England. I want to share my passion and love for the game by developing players in the sport of volleyball and mentoring volleyball coaches. Coaches are the most important thing in developing players. This can not be overlooked. We have some great coaches this year and they are put through continual training to help them be the best coaches they can be.

Blast Volleyball Academy encompasses the junior volleyball club, summer camps, player clinics, coach mentoring programs, and many other volleyball activities. The president and founder of RI Blast is John Forman and has moved on to pursue a career in finance. Blast Volleyball Academy was thus founded and under control of Diane Short. Precision Passer is still a product that John Forman and RI Blast Inc. sell.

Diane Short and Ray DeAngelis are the directors for the girls volleyball programs. Lori Baker and Scott Grandpre are the directors for the boys program.

Skill Training & Development:

Team members train under the guidance of an experienced coaching staff which has been certified through the USA Volleyball coaching educational process. There are regular practice sessions where players develop fundamental skills while also giving them the opportunity to learn higher levels of play. The related topics of strength & conditioning, nutrition, college recruitment planning, and other elements are also included to round out the experience.

Tournament Competition:

At a minimum, Blast Volleyball teams compete in 4-6 tournaments per season against clubs from across New England. There are also opportunities for play against teams from all over the Northeast, East Coast, and even potentially on a National level.

Improved Chances for College Recruitment:

Juniors volleyball can be a very important aid in the process of being recruited to collegiate volleyball programs. Not only does it offer the opportunity to train and compete in a structured environment beyond the relatively short high school season, it also provides a higher degree of exposure. College coaches frequent club tournament as they provide opportunities to view and evaluate larger numbers of candidates in one place at one time.

Fun, Camaraderie, New Friends and Experiences:

Let us not forget why we play volleyball. What it comes down to is the enjoyment of the game and the life experiences that come along with playing and competing.

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