By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Impact Volleyball Club Shutting Down Operations
Placeholder Image

With the recent resignation of longtime director Irene Laugero, the Impact Volleyball Club has ceased operations.

In a letter sent to players, parents, coaches and sponsors, Laugero made the announcement about her decision.

“After serious consideration, I have decided to resign my position as Director of Impact Volleyball Club. As a result, the IVC Board Members have elected to end Impact Volleyball Club operations,” Laugero wrote. “This decision was not an easy one, but other obligations must take priority.”

In speaking with The Leader after sending out the letter earlier this month, Laugero said she wanted to take time to focus on her family, though the resignation was bittersweet because she didn’t think it would necessarily mean the end of the IVC.

“I was hoping that maybe someone would step up, and I would just turn it over and help with the transition but in speaking with the board, they basically said ‘we don’t want to move forward without you’ and while in one regard, that means a lot that I made such an impact (on the program) … on the other hand, it was hard to see it close,” Laugero said.

The Impact Volleyball Club has been in existence for 20 years and Laugero has spent the last 16 at the helm. Her daughter Taylor, now 14, is heavily involved in sports and is a freshman this year at Escalon High School, so Laugero said she wants to make sure to be there for her sporting events.

Other family issues also figured in to the decision.

“It has been a rough year for us, losing my dad … it kind of makes you reassess,” she said, noting that she also wants more time to spend with her mom.

Laugero said she planned to talk personally with many of those involved in Impact, but sent the letter out first at the request of the board, which wanted the information out there as soon as possible.

“I feel like we’re going out when it’s at its peak, the reputation of the program is great, the program is successful,” she explained. “It seemed like the perfect time.”

Impact Volleyball Club teams have been active in league play and tournaments throughout California and neighboring states, including a squad that went to the Junior Nationals earlier this summer.

Players have come from Oakdale, Escalon, and many surrounding communities.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone that has been a part of this wonderful program over the last 20 years.

It has been my pleasure to work with so many dedicated players, their enthusiastic parents, excellent coaches and generous sponsors,” Laugero wrote in wrapping up the letter. “I am so proud to have been part of this great organization.”