November 5, 2007 - The entire National Capitals family assembled on Monday evening to officially begin the 2007-08 volleyball season at the club's 4th Annual CAPS KickOff event.  Although the number of teams is still the same as it was last season, this KickOff certainly did seem to be a better attended affair, with the St. Pius Cafeteria almost full of new, returning and veteran CAPS players, coaches, volunteers, parents and siblings.

As always, the evening began with the attendees picking and choosing from a huge spread of munchies, hot treats, sandwiches, fruits and desserts laid out with loving care by our Special Events Committee.  Club President Bob O'Doherty moved the evening forward with a few words about the club's brief but accomplished history, calling into focus some of the great achievements of our CAPS girls over the past 3 seasons.  The five team's rosters of players were then introduced to those in attendance by our fine group of coaches, and the girls finally got a glimpse of their new Nike uniform packages.  Thanks to Marg Miedema, our Director of Operations, for stickhandling her way through the sometimes rough-and-tumble process of maintaining our club's reputation for having the most professionally (and gorgeously) outfitted girls in the province.

Credit Coach Cathy O'Doherty for a little idea she had to bring greetings and best wishes from CAPS Alumni playing at universities across the province.  This is an idea that really helped put a 'CAP' on pre-scrimmage festivities, serving to spotlight our club's dedication to the girls' post-club careers - an idea which we will certainly build upon in the years to come.

The CAPS membership then moved to the Pius gym to witness a spirited display of hitting and game-play by our powerful 18U girls, after which all the girls were divided and mixed up into 4 teams featuring players of all ages.  The older girls certainly took advantage of that low net height, but the younger girls were not about to be taken lightly and showed just how much talent there is 'coming down the pipe' in the CAPS system.

Many thanks to all who contributed to making this evening such a big success.  Special thanks go out to Bob O'Doherty, Cathy O'Doherty, Director of Special Events 'Luke' Luecke and his right-hand girl Mary Clare Carter for their efforts in organizing a jam-packed, successful evening.

Now all that's left is another 6-7 months of practices and tournaments!  Go get 'em girls!  "613 - NC!"