Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Under the umbrella of the American Samoa National Olympics Committee (ASNOC), the local Volleyball Association has been very active and diligent in hosting national and international tournaments post pandemic lockdown.

In the past year alone, they have hosted the National President's Cup, the Moso'oi International Tournament, and the American Samoa Flag Day International Tournament, just to name a few. While these past events have proven to be successful, the ultimate goal is to initiate the scouting of  players for the American Samoa volleyball team participating in the upcoming Pacific Games.

Some things that ASVBA engaged in ensuring the success of their preparation includes having the right coaches for the men's and women's team. While the search for a men's head coach and assistant coach continues, ASVBA is pleased to announce they have found their women's head coach — Mr. Mafutaga Tanner Taveuveu.

Mr. Taveuveu is an outstanding coach with extensive coaching experience in high schools and colleges in the U.S, including Al Camino High School, Vista High School, Palomar College San Marcos California, to name a few.

In addition, ASVBA will continue to work with world renowned and University of Hawaii Hall of Fame, coach Allen Allen, and coach Reno Amisone.

While players have been in intense practice since January, there are plans in the near future for the teams to travel to neighboring islands and, if all goes well, to Hawaii, to participate in test matches and International tourneys to trial their current skill level, and identify areas that need improvements. Some of these test matches include the Tri-Nation test match in Apia on May 27, 2023, and the Hawaii 5-0 Tournament come July.

As a result, intense fundraising has also been a part of preparations for the 2023 Pacific Games. ASVBA is a non-profit organization and is consistently searching for funding and financial assistance to allow their plans fruition.

In the past couple of weeks, the volleyball athletes, under the guidance and collective efforts of the Association's board members and executives, have been soliciting assistance from the community through fundraisers, such as car washes, HIT 3s, Community Wave, etc. And, they would like to take this time to extend their sincere gratitude to all who have contributed to ensure the volleyball team preparations and training happen.

For others who wish to make a donation to their efforts, or continue to donate to their efforts, please do not hesitate to contact ASVBA President Sauvao at 258-7711 or the ASVBA Chairman of the Board Dr. Ernie "Ernestina" Seiuli at 731-3072.

“We thank you in advanced for making sure that we ‘Keep the Ball Flying’ for our young and future volleyball athletes of American Samoa!” the association said.

Follow us on our Facebook Page "American Samoa Volleyball Association" for timely updates on our athletes' Journey to the Pacific Games 2023!