2016 Meritorious Service Award Winners

Each year, USA Volleyball presents Meritorious Service Awards to individuals and/or groups that provide outstanding contributions to the sport of volleyball across the country. Each Region is allowed to nominate and select up to five individuals or groups for this recognition each year. The Carolina Region is pleased to announce the following individuals as recipients of 2016 Robert L. Lindsay Meritorious Service Awards. All award recipients will be recognized in the 2017 USA Volleyball Guidebook. A listing of all previous winners of Carolina Region Meritorious Service Awards can be found here.

2016 HONOREES:

 

Mitch Atkinson

Kevin "Mitch" Atkinson – Mitch is a long-time member of the Carolina Region. He played in the Adult program for many years and transitioned to officiating. He achieved his Junior National rating in 2011. He continues to serve as a clinician and referee at numerous Carolina Region and USA Volleyball events.

 

Annette Dudley

Karen "Annette" Dudley – Annette has been a tournament director for the Carolina Region since 2007 most recently at Starmount Middle School. She also served as a Club Administrator for Yadkin Volleyball Club.

 

 

Greg Jones

Greg Jones – Most Carolina Region members will not know who Greg Jones is as he is admittedly a “non-volleyball guy”. But, almost all members and families see the results of his service to the Region weekly (if not daily) during the season. Greg is a programmer who has volunteered his time to help update the Carolina Region Points System. He researched and implemented the code that was rolled out this season to make the system more mobile friendly. He continues to work behind the scenes to improve the system and we all appreciate his hard work.

 

 

Stephen Shepherd

Stephen Shepherd -  Stephen is another long-time member that continues to serve the Region membership in many ways. He served as the Men’s A Rep to the Board of Directors in the 2005 and 2006 seasons. He became a Junior National Referee in 2007 and received his National Referee certification in 2010. As a programmer, he has helped the region office update their Excel tournament management program. Most recently, he helped institute the Officials Accelerated Advancement Program.

 

The Carolina Region would like to thank each of these individuals for their continued support of volleyball in North Carolina! Without people like these, the Carolina Region would not be where it is today. If you have a chance to meet these honorees or any previous year’s winners, please thank them for their many contributions!

If you would like to nominate someone for a 2017 Meritorious Service Award, please contact the Region Office. Any person or group that works to promote volleyball in North Carolina in some way is eligible.