United Volleyball Club

Fern, Matt, and Crew,

I write this email with mixed emotions. On the one hand I am happy that Melani evolved into such a gifted volleyball player. I owe that to United Volleyball Club. Fern you saw something in her during her freshman year that no one else did. You took a raw player and molded her into the athlete that she is today. Matt, when Fern started coaching the younger players, you made her work harder thus play harder. You both made sure that Melani is ready to play on a collegiate level. The emails I have received from all the college coaches is evidence of that. I can't thank you enough.

On the other hand I am sad because the season has come to an end, and the girls that I have grown to love over these years are all going their separate ways. However, each of them are attending college on volleyball scholarships and that in itself shows how committed the coaches are to the players......NO MATTER WHAT HIGH SCHOOL THEY ATTENDED.

I have been extremely happy with United. As a single mother of two, you bent over backwards to accommodate me in any way possible. I would also like to thank Melani's "other" parents. When I couldn't be there, you all filled in. All of you have made an impact in our lives.

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU

Jan Kimbrough-Lewis
Proud parent of Melani Lewis (Shepherd University '14) 

Hi Fern,

This is Andrea Hom. I’m just writing you this quick note because I really wanted to thank you for everything you and United did for me regarding volleyball. I really loved playing for United. It was definitely one of the best decisions I ever made for my volleyball career.

This year, I played volleyball for Saint Joseph’s college in Patchogue. I played as a Libero/DS and I really loved it. We came in second in the play-offs losing to Russell Sage in the Skyline Conference Championship game. I just wanted to let you know how well I was doing and that I really appreciate what your club does for people. I came from a high school with a very weak volleyball program. You guys at United really helped me to become the volleyball player that I wanted to be. I learned so much playing for United. I remember being at my first practice last year and just watching how well everyone played and how helpful and knowledgeable the coaches were. I was speechless. Playing for United was a whole new level of volleyball. You all made me push myself to be better every practice.

If I didn't play for United I don’t think I would have ever made the Saint Joseph’s team. I even got a lot of playing time. You all helped me with my skills and with my confidence. I just wish I joined United sooner. Thank you all for everything.

Have a Great season!!!!!

- Andrea Hom 

Hi Coach Fernandes & Coach Matt,

I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for the great club season that our daughter Alexa, my wife and I had traveling with the club this year. We also wanted to thank you for all the great lessons that Alexa was able to absorb and put into action. You definitely have a very organized program dedicated to nothing but improving volleyball players and making sure that they could play at the college level. You went out of your way to improve and promote the players on your club much more than what the athletic department from her high school did for her. For that we're very thankful and very grateful. We wish she had played for United during her previous 3 years of club. All the way from the coaches to the parents that acted as chaperons, it was a well-organized program. We're proud to say that we were part of it.

Alexa is doing great as a starter DS on her team and has made huge contributions to that program. They're undefeated in conference play and expected to win it again for the fourth straight time. They have won 56 straight conference games. She has one of the highest serving percentages in the conference and she's playing a lot. Always-making insane dives and touches for those balls. We as parents are very happy with the results. We really wanted to let you know how she was doing and to express our gratitude and appreciation for the opportunity that you gave her and in welcoming us to the United family. Once again, thank you so much for the great lessons. Good luck during the high school and fast approaching club season.

Keep up the good work and best regards.

Mr. Ray Santiago & Maria Santiago