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J. Keith McMorris J.D.
I have been asked to provide some background information
on myself, and my desire to serve as a member of the CHRVA board of directors.
The following paragraphs will briefly details my volleyball experience
and participation.
For many a year now, I have been involved in various aspects
of the game of volleyball. I was first introduced to the sport while
working and attending college in British Columbia, Canada.
As a student at the University of British Columbia (UBC
- 1993-1995), I was recruited directly from a pick-up game of basketball,
by the volleyball coach. I did not know that there would be some
much needed adjustments to convert over from basketball to volleyball.
Unbeknownst to me, at the time, so would begin an ensuing passion for the
sport.
Throughout my years at UBC, I had the distinct pleasure
of participating in two Canadian Invitational Sports Meets (CISM).
These meets are equivalent to the U.S. Nationals; where the Canadian national
team members are drawn. During the 1993/94 and 1994/95 seasons I
was fortunate enough to be a member of the gold and silver medal team,
respectively. Besides my playing responsibilities, I also had the
opportunity to serve as the head referee for the Queen Charlotte Islands
(QCI) region of British Columbia. As the name implies, I was responsible
for the coordination of training and scheduling assignments of the region's
referees. In this position, I served as a member of the rules interpretations
committee; responsible for ensuring that the rules of the game were adhering
to the times, and remained easily understandable.
These times were rather fulfilling; but, alas all good
things must come to an end. Or at least that was my general perception
upon graduation. I was scheduled to report to law school at U.C.
Berkeley. To my surprise, upon my arrival in California an opportunity
arose which I was unable to put off. I became the coach of the boy's
varsity volleyball team at Seaside High School (Seaside, CA). A six
month deferment, from law school has proven to be a highlight in my memories
of personal triumph. The boys, who were initially ranked 68th in
the state, surprisingly catapulted into the top 20 by season's end.
I moved to the Chesapeake region in the winter of 1995
to complete law school at Georgetown University. Upon arrival I located
some old friends who pointed me in the direction of the CHRVA. Since
that time I have been an active participant in the region. I have
been a playing and non-playing referee and scorekeeper. I have been
a player and/or coach for some teams within the region, such as, Evolution
(MA), ABC (MBB), Anarchy (MA), No Touch (WA), NV US (WA), and SWVC Synergy
(W40s).
Since my initial registration, I have been a certified
referee and scorekeeper within this region. I continually volunteer
my time to assist the fellowship chairperson, as a rater of referee and
scorekeeper candidates. To date, I have not missed a season as a
rater; and I am anxiously anticipating expanding my role.
Outside of USAV, I have held some additional positions
within the volleyball community. One position in particular is that
of the Volleyball Commissioner at the Volleyball House in Columbia, Maryland.
The responsibilities for this position entailed the coordination of referees;
to include scheduling, and training, league alignments and maintenance,
and sanctions and protest committee chairman.
I trust that the above excerpts have given you a synopsis
of my extensive involvement in the volleyball community. I would
like to close my biography by summarizing the contributions I feel I can
make to the board.
Those areas which I plan to concentrate my efforts are
leadership, focus, and direction. I am referring to an effective communicator
who can inspire others to strive to achieve the goals set by our members.
As an active member of the bar, I often find myself in
the role of an advocate for those who are not often heard. Now, I
am on the verge of having an opportunity to act as a voice for our members.
I am looking forward to serving you, the members of this
region, as a member of the CHRVA board of directors.
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