BIG SPRING, TX — The first ever Rose Magers Classic volleyball tournament is being held in Big Spring this weekend. It’s named after Rose Magers-Powell, a U.S. Olympian and collegiate volleyball coach. Magers-Powell, originally from Big Spring, won the silver medal in Volleyball with the USA National Women’s Team at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, California.
Sunni Strickland, Head of Volleyball Coach for Big Spring, told KBest News that there was a need to host a tournament because there’s not many in the area. As she organized it, more and more teams wanted to participate. Overall, there were 24 JV teams, 15 varsity teams.
“Wanted to honor a person who has gone to Big Spring and been in the community. What better way to honor someone who went to BSHS, graduated from BSHS, was in the Olympics in the 80’s, was boycotted and won the silver in ‘84 Olympics. I just felt that would be a great motivator for our kids. A lot of them don’t even know her or they don’t even know that she went here. Praise her for her accomplishments and show our kids what they could accomplish,” said Strickland.
She went on to praise the parents who have been a big help volunteering to help with the tournament and have been really motivating for the kids, especially with her being a new coach at Big Spring.
Magers-Powell, told KBest News that when she heard about the tournament, she thought it was awesome and took the opportunity to head home to watch kids play and be a part of it.
Over the past few years, she’s ran volleyball clinics. She hopes to rebuild that relationship with the volleyball program and start doing more camps clinics.
“It sounds like the coach is trying to change the culture and when it’s [a change in] the culture it’s a process and it takes time to get that done. I’ll be here to help her get that done if she needs me,” said Magers-Powell.
When asked if she had any advice to aspiring volleyball players, she stated that it was important for them to stay focused and be intentional in what they’re doing.
“Know that it does take time and takes a lot of work. You gotta believe that you can get that done and play at the next level if you want to. If you are putting in the work, it will pay off,” she continued.
Tomorrow, the Gold JV bracket will play in the morning at BSJH. The Varsity Gold Bracket at Steer Gym in the morning, and the Varsity Silver Bracket at Steer Gym in the afternoon.
(Photo: Rose Magers-Powell speaks to Lady Steers Volleyball team during Rose Magers Classic volleyball tournament at BSJHS, 08/18/23.)
(Big Spring Head Volleyball Coach Sunni Strickland with Rose Magers-Powell at the Rose Magers Classic volleyball tournament at BSJHS, 08/18/23.)
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