The Presidents’ Cup volleyball tournament has become a winning event for all involved – players, coaches and spectators.

In its 13th year, the Dayton Jrs-sponsored tournament will bring together more than 4,000 athletes, representing 71 clubs, for two days of intense volleyball competition. The event started much more modestly as an 88-team Miami Valley-area tournament and has grown to include more than 400 teams and will be contested at five local facilities as well as the Columbus Convention Center.

“Our initial goal was just to get good competition close to home and get some more volleyball exposure for the Dayton area,” said Howard Garcia, Presidents’ Cup National/Open tournament liaison. “But interest and participation has grown dramatically.”

Players look forward to the challenging competition.

“The competition is crazy good,” Chaminade Julienne senior Grace Kauth said. “And playing against good competition makes you a better player.”

The players receive more than experience, they get a chance to make an impression as more than 100 college coaches will likely be in attendance.

“You know right away where the good matches are because you will see coaches lined up along the court,” Kauth said.

Kauth, 18, is one of several Dayton Juniors players who will continue their volleyball careers in college, as she will play for Cleveland State University. Fellow CJ teammate Heidi Hess will play for Ohio Dominican while Miami East’s Leah Dunivan and Abby Cash will play for Robert Morris and Chicago State, respectively. Troy’s Jenna Selby will play for Lewis University.

“It’s great for college coaches because they can see so many talented athletes in one place,” Garcia said.

The same is true for spectators.

“The level of play is high and the competition intense,” Garcia said. “You will see some competition, especially in the 18s, that’s pretty close to the college level.”

Dayton sites will host the National/Open division play in age groups from 12-18 while the Regional and American division teams will compete in Columbus. The Presidents’ Cup will open with pool play on Saturday morning and tournament play will get underway on Sunday. Admission is free for all games at all sites.

“It’s some of the best volleyball you will ever see in this region,” Garcia said.