COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (May 20, 2020) – USA Volleyball has selected Columbus, Ohio, and Kansas City, Missouri, to host 2021 Junior National Championships.
Columbus will host the 2021 USA Volleyball Girls 18s Junior National Championship (GJNC18) from April 23-25 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. Kansas City will host the 2021 USA Volleyball Boys Junior National Championship (BJNC) from June 30 to July 7 at the Kansas City Convention Center.
Columbus Hosting 2021 GJNC18
The GJNC18 is expected to draw approximately 300 teams, nearly 3,000 players and over 5,000 family and friends of the players from across the country. The event will crown champions in five age divisions: Open, National, USA, American and Patriot Divisions.
“Columbus has proven to be a great destination for USA Volleyball National Championship events,” USA Volleyball Director of Events Kristy Cox said. “The Columbus community has always welcomed our players and spectators with open arms, going out of their way to make their experiences a lasting, positive memory.”
Columbus has hosted four USA Volleyball National Championship events since 2012. The city was the host site for the 2015 and 2017 BJNC as well as the 2012 USA Volleyball Girls Junior National Championship. Columbus hosted the Opens on four previous occasions (1930, 1952, 2000 and 2019).
“The Greater Columbus Convention Center was a proud host to 5,500 athletes that competed in the Ohio Valley Region of USA Volleyball’s 2020 American Challenge Tournament in late February before limits on mass gatherings were imposed,” said Linda Logan, Greater Columbus Sports Commission executive director. “Columbus has a storied history of passionate and knowledgeable volleyball fans that love hosting national volleyball events, and now more than ever we are so excited to announce the USA Volleyball Girls 18s Junior National Championship next year and celebrate the athletes, coaches and fans when they come to our city.”
Columbus hosts the Ohio Valley Qualifier, a national qualifier into the GJNC18. The city has hosted other regional-level junior volleyball events with qualification to nationals at stake.
Kansas City Hosting 2021 BJNC
The 42nd annual BJNC is likely to have nearly 550 teams and 6,000 athletes playing in Kansas City in 2021. A total of 16 championships will be decided in age groups from 12-and-under to 18-and-under.
“Kansas City has become a premier host city for junior volleyball events over the last decade,” USA Volleyball Director of Events Kristy Cox said. “The city has a strong volleyball community, and that includes a growing boys volleyball base. USA Volleyball is proud to have Kansas City host our 2021 Boys Junior Nationals.”
Kansas City has hosted three previous USA Volleyball National Championship events. Kansas City was the site for the 1991 USA Volleyball Open National Championship, along with hosting both the Girls and Boys Junior National Championships in 1993. Further, Kansas City has hosted three National Collegiate Volleyball Federation National Championships in conjunction with USA Volleyball in 2012, 2015 and 2017.
“Kansas City is proud to host a consistent roster of events in partnership with USA Volleyball. The Boys Junior National Championship is an exciting addition,” Visit KC President and CEO Jason Fulvi said. “We look forward to welcoming athletes and attendees as they take part in high-caliber competition and experience everything that makes KC an incredibly convenient, accommodating destination.”
Kansas City is no stranger to hosting youth volleyball in recent times. The city has been annual home to the Show Me National Qualifier since 2009. Further, Kansas City hosts the KC MLK 18s National qualifier – a qualifier into the GJNC18.