Upcoming desert showdown at Durango Fall Classic

Gearing up to play// Training hard, teams from all over the country arrive in Las Vegas to play in the Durango Fall Classic. Sponsored by many large brands like Asics, this annual tournament is sure going to be a memorable one. (Photo by Jasmin Kapur)

Durango Fall Classic, a famous girls varsity volleyball tournament, is being hosted at many different schools around the valley, including Coronado, on Friday, September 18th, and Saturday, September 19th. Teams traveling from many states, including Hawaii and Florida, are arriving this week to play in this highly anticipated tournament. 

“With the Durango Fall Classic coming up, my team and I have been preparing by working hard at practice, creating goals each day, and building our chemistry as a team,” junior McKenzie Smoot shared. “We’ve been trying to stay consistent and push each other to get better. It means a lot to play in such a big tournament because we get to compete against really good teams that we haven’t played before.”

Wondering why it is such a monumental and popular tournament? Since its debut in 1995, this tournament has housed most of the top teams on the West Coast where competition is highest. Teams prepare enormously in order to participate and succeed in this tournament. 

“My team has been really focused on staying consistent in practice, and becoming stronger mentally and physically,” junior Adelaide Connors described. “It means a lot to play in a tournament like this because it’s a chance to compete against some really strong teams and potentially people who are even playing D1. I worked at the tournament last year when I was on JV, so I am looking forward to participating now. I’m excited to see what my team can accomplish together.”

With Coronado being a host site, there will be many spectacular teams and matchups happening in our own gym. College coaches also show face at this tournament, giving the varsity players much exposure. This gives players the opportunity to be noticed and recruited while showcasing their skills.

“I am super excited to play this weekend; I can't wait to challenge myself and my team by playing these amazing teams from out of state,” senior Emery Connors explained. “I also can't wait for the exposure that teams get from this tournament. I feel honored to be a part of this annual tournament and hope we make it far!”

As the tournament approaches, teams should be looking forward to putting their skills to the test against other extremely talented teams in the nation. This tournament is also a stepping stone into what teams should expect for the upcoming state championships at the end of October. Volleyball fanatics should be sure to stop by to watch this thrilling tournament this weekend!