COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (May 20, 2020) – USA Volleyball has selected Columbus to host 2021 Girls 18s Junior National Championship (GJNC18) from April 23-25 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.
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.
About USA Volleyball
Founded in 1928, USA Volleyball is a non-profit organization recognized by the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) as the National Governing Body for the disciplines of beach, indoor and sitting volleyball in the United States. With more the 425,000 registered members, USA Volleyball conducts national championship events, coaching and referee certification programs, and grassroots development across all disciplines in a lifetime sport in which all can participate. USA Volleyball’s teams have won an Olympic medal in every Olympic Games since 1984, four Paralympic medals since 2004 and numerous World Cup, World Championship and Continental Championship titles. For more information on USA Volleyball, visit www.usavolleyball.org. #PathtothePodium