By Tamas Mondovics
“Citius, Altius, Fortius,” which translated means “Swifter, Higher, Stronger,” are not only appropriate adjectives used to describe the Brandon Synergy Amateur Athletic Union (USA/AAU) Volleyball Club, but are also the club’s team names, which its members are more than proud to wear.The club’s name, Synergy (from the Greek syn-ergos, meaning “working together”), also merits attention, as the term used to describe a situation where different entities cooperate advantageously for a final outcome mimics the way the team works. “Simply defined, it means that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts,” said coach Bryan Carver. “We are always looking for the athlete, from the developmental to the elite player, that wants to take their game to the next level.” Formerly the Brandon Sparks, Synergy, a 501(c)(3) volleyball club, is located in Brandon, and is drawing the attention of serious athletes. “We are exploding at the seams with interest, coupled with a ton of community support, and are doing great things for the youth of Brandon,” Carver said.In 2003, Synergy could claim just one team, which has now grown to 10-plus teams in age divisions ranging from 10-18 years old, coached by a professional group of former coaches and players focusing on both boys and girls teams, from the developmental to the elite player looking to compete in college and beyond. “We are the largest not-for-profit volleyball club in the Tampa Bay area,” Carver said. “We want to increase the level of play for every player to be their best, but we believe that the best way to learn to play a game is to actually play it.” Currently, Synergy is running weekly leagues for new players 8-13 years old and has scheduled to hold tryouts at the end of November and the beginning of December.Carver specifically emphasized the club’s goal to help its members to achieve their goals when he explained that for its older athletes, Synergy has invested tremendous resources and technology to assist them in the college recruitment process, including a 100 percent success rate of college placement for those who wish to play at the collegiate level. “We strive to assist our athletes in obtaining their goals,” Carver said. Armwood High School senior and outside hitter, Emilee Taylor, has played for Synergy for the past three years and is one of the most dangerous attackers the club can claim as its own.“Playing for Synergy has definitely helped me to become a much stronger and better player,” Taylor said, adding, “If you are looking to be pushed to the next level, Synergy is the place to be. They will help you to get there.”Additional information can be found at www.clubsynergy.us.
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