Eagle County Volleyball Programs Unite for Outdoor Jamboree

Aspen —Did you know that for one night last Wednesday, the entire Eagle County volleyball community stopped competing and started celebrating?

It happened on the football field at Battle Mountain High School. Four local programs — Battle Mountain, Vail Christian, Eagle Valley, and Vail Mountain School — gathered for a scrimmage-style jamboree. This wasn't a sanctioned game. There were no jerseys. No scorekeeping. Volunteer referees kept the flow going, but the scoreboard stayed dark.

The event followed the historic "Lights Above the Peaks" outdoor match held the previous week. That contest drew national attention and left local coaches and players buzzing. Now, they brought that energy home.

Eagle Valley coach Brandon Boseman stood on the constructed court and summed up the vibe. “It’s great to get the whole county out representing volleyball,” he said. “I think the idea was to get everybody together and showcase what volleyball’s all about in Eagle County.”

Battle Mountain coach Todd De Jong noted that his senior players stepped up to help coach younger teammates during the session. He also admitted a small logistical oversight. “We didn’t think to bring our sunglasses,” De Jong laughed. “We showed up and Eagle Valley, they all had sunglasses.”

Players echoed the sense of camaraderie. Vail Christian senior Riley Weatherred pointed out that many of the athletes across these rival schools grew up playing club volleyball together. “We’ve played club with these girls, so all the volleyball girls in this valley are in one place, so it’s fun,” Weatherred said.

The conditions weren't perfect. Wind blew across the open field. Sun glare made visibility tricky. Cars passed on the nearby highway. But none of that dampened the spirit. Celebrations erupted after every point. One highlight involved a "human bench press" celebration on the sideline bench.

This close-knit nature defines the local volleyball scene. Rivals on the court are often friends off it. The jamboree stripped away the competitive pressure and let that relationship shine. It was a reminder that the sport is bigger than any single school or season.

The outdoor format added unique challenges. Players adapted to uneven surfaces and shifting winds. It differed from the controlled environment of an indoor gym. Yet the quality of play remained high. The energy stayed intense.

As the night wound down, the distinct lines between schools blurred. Players mixed freely. Coaches swapped stories. The focus shifted from winning points to sharing experiences. It was a rare moment of pure unity in a usually fragmented landscape.

The next step is clear. These connections won't vanish after the lights go out. They will carry into the upcoming season. The question is whether the rivalry will intensify now that everyone knows exactly how good their opponents really are.