My daughters have participated in festival the past several years and have enjoyed themselves immensely. The Eppersons put on a very organized event that is truly focused on the positive things this sport has to offer. (Comraderie, fun, good competition.) The girls played teams from Canada, Puerto Rico, and the Hawaiin islands, to name a few which made for fun trinket exchanges at the beginning of each match. The opening ceremony features a performer that is popular with this age group as well.

The volleyball starts out with widely disparate levels in the pools but they play so many days they find their level and have great matches in the last few days. It is a lot of volleyball. (Truly a marathon...)

The finals are held in the large arena at the university and the 18's are even taped by ESPN which gives the girls a neat experience. (Broadcasters and lights on the sidelines, etc.)

Some of the negatives:

It's Reno...need I say more. Casinos, and more casinos. You're lucky if you are able to stay somewhere not linked to a casino.

This is a long tournament. Make sure your girls start hydrating often and early. It will help them get throught the long week.

My girls look forward to going back every year-I think that speaks volumes.