Wednesday Night Open Volleyball at Reis Park makes for a Good Time and is Looking for Players

I have been playing recreational volleyball in school gyms in Westchester for the 30 last years. The Somers Parks and Rec department used to have a game at the high school years ago but open play for adults has long since passed us by. So down to one game a week for my part, I inquired with Parks and Rec to see if the town of Somers could provide indoor space and time again. Not at the moment, the Assistant Superintendent (Andrew Johnson) suggested the summer provided the opportunity to play in the great outdoors.  The impetus accepted by me, Facebook teed up a not too serious pick up game at Reis Park on Wednesday nights.

“Seeing the post, I thought it was a fun idea, playing with local peeps in our beautiful town park,” said Debbie Peters Elliott, and the likes started to accumulate before me. 

Even so, a bunch of rain, Canadian smoke from the north and busy schedules all around meant a slow roll to actually play. The big night did finally arrive, though.  

In this, the portable net provided for the field on the right didn’t have Peters Elliott nervous about doing something new with a bunch of people she didn’t know at all. “I figured we were all in the same boat. We love to play volleyball but without committing to a serious league or a grueling summer schedule,” said the Somers resident.

Still, there was an unexpected burden she found upon digging in. “I realized that the spirit is very willing but the muscles are pretty weak,” Peters Elliott playfully joked. 

The welcoming nature, on the other hand, kept the Ben-Gay at bay. "Everyone is so supportive and encouraging,” she said.

The varying levels of play didn’t detract from the experience either, and the reason is pretty simple, according to the volleyball player. “I noticed that we all had one thing in common: we just wanted to go out there and have a little fun,” Peters Elliott said.

Zbynek Gold felt the same exact way. “Playing was fun without anyone getting too intense about the way we play the game,” he said with confidence.

That said, the intense back and forths took care of keeping everyone engaged and in for the long hauls. This especially when the court filled up with a strong total of 12 players. “At six players on six, the rallies were much longer and lots of fun,” he said.

So was all the banter, according to Frank Grodio. “We joked around and teased each other,” said 12U Somers baseball coach.

Of course, the commentary always remained in bounds and kept the eyes on the real prize. “We also supported each other and gave tips when it was needed,” said Grodio.

Three hits always the charm, Grodio is not up in the air about gathering to suit up and play again. “I can’t wait for next time we play here,” he said.

6:30 PM is the starting time, and there is plenty of room and a second net is at the ready.  “I really hope new players will join us,” concluded Gold.

We hope to continue playing into the fall and you can find us on the right as you enter Reis Park.

If you are interested in playing, email me at [email protected] or Andrew Johnson of the Somers Parks and Rec Department at [email protected]. Not need to be shy, we will add you to the list and the email goes out on Monday. If we have at least five players, the game goes on.

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Aug 16