The Coop at Zeeland East will look a little different this Tuesday as the volleyball program hosts its first annual Youth Night for all ages to come and see what Chix volleyball is all about in 2026. Students, friends, club teammates and families are all welcome to attend. The Chix will introduce 2026 Varsity Assistant Coach, Ali Bastianelli, most recently of GR Rise fame, and who earned All-American status at the University of Illinois in three separate seasons. She was also a two-time member of the US National Team and played professionally domestically and overseas before officially retiring as a player and joining Zeeland East as a coach earlier this year.

Coach Ali and the Chix volleyball players will be signing autographs, taking photos and hosting a meet & greet following the varsity match. There will also be fun events throughout the night ranging from a photobooth, t-shirt tosses, introductions with the varsity team before the match and loads of free fun items to dress up and cheer on the Chix. Summer camp athletes are encouraged to wear their camp shirt, and additional shirts will be available for anyone that was unable to attend so the youth section can be matching for the game.

The tentative schedule for the evening is available below:

4:30 – Photobooth Opens
5:00 – Freshman & JV games start
5:45 – Varsity players and coaches will pair up with a youth player in the section and stand on the back line for the National Anthem and roster announcements with their partner. Players will also have a small thank you for their partner.
5:50 – Coach Ali Bastianelli Meet & Greet with the Youth Section
6:00 – Photobooth closes and Varsity Game Starts
Between sets – T-shirt tosses to the Youth Section
End of Match – Youth Section/Program Photo to be followed by Meet & Greet and Autograph Table with signed Mini Volleyballs, a limited number of FREE training volleyballs for girls that do not have one at home and photo opportunities. Girls may also bring their own items to be signed after the match.