Apex VBC - Public

10/21/2026

It's with great sadness that I share the news that Coach Kari Hemingway passed away this morning in Bolingbrook, IL following her long battle with Multiple Myeloma.

Kari was a long-time coach and administrator for Apex VBC LLC after being a Team Parent for her two daughters' teams. She led her own Club teams to several National tournaments in Kansas City, Chicago, and Orlando before stepping away from coaching to focus on administrative functions and her own health.
In 2024 Kari received the AVCA/USMC Battles Won Award presented at the AVCA Convention held in Louisville, KY which honors 1 coach and 1 player every year who shows resilience by overcoming a major physical hardship or obstacle.

Behind the scenes, Kari was instrumental in Apex reforming several year ago despite the fact that she had been recently diagnosed. While dealing with her illness she took great pride in growing the game in our community and sharing her love of the sport. She was always transparent about the impact Multiple Myeloma had on her and did everything she could to raise awareness about the disease.

Please keep Kari's family in your prayers during this difficult time. We are grateful to them for sharing her with us and allowing her to follow her passion.

10/19/2026

Megan Lambert, 25, was killed in the Oct. 15 shooting at Silver Rail Elementary in Bend, Oregon, where she taught. In her first season coaching volleyball, she chose to give up her pay.

"She did it to give to players who needed financial assistance to play, but didn't want them to know," said Heidi Wood, who coached alongside her at the Central Oregon Volleyball Club.

Other people were also victims of the shooting. Lambert grew up in Bend and graduated from Mountain View High School in 2019. Her family said she "had a passion for playing sports, especially volleyball."

"Kids adored her as a coach because she cared so much," Wood said. "Not just on the court but off the court as well."

She finished Boise State's elementary education program in 2023 and had substituted at Silver Rail for years. The full-time teaching job started less than two months ago, and her family called it her "dream job."

"Megan loved those children, and so we will show you love for her," her family said, describing someone who "lit up the room" and "always fought for the underdog and those with special needs."

The volleyball club plans to start a scholarship in her honor.

08/09/2026

Good luck to all the HS players at tryouts tomorrow.

Remember a couple of things:

1. Your value and worth are not defined by a coach, a spot on a team, or your one (or 2-day or more) performance on a court.

2. Hustle, effort, and attitude will impress as much if not more than ability.

3. Mistakes are going to happen, what you do afterwards is what is being evaluated.

4. It’s the same game that you have played and practiced countless times. Don’t overthink it.

5. We are rooting for you 😁

07/26/2026

Congratulations to our Top 4 teams at our 3rd annual 4v4 Sand Tournament!

Apex VBC LLC is proud to again host this tournament and recognize all of these amazing athletes from across Central IL.

1st Place Sand Surfers (Bloomimgton)
2nd Place Sand Snipers (Mattoon)
3d Place Sun Setters (Moweaqua)
4th Place One Hit Wonders (Mt. Zion)

07/05/2026

06/30/2026

Sand volleyball may not be for the faint of heart but it is still a lot of fun. Pre-Register your team today before spots fill up.

06/21/2026

Happy Father’s Day!

05/30/2026

Apex 13u team all set for the Chi-City Showdown

05/20/2026

Couple of announcements...
Tonight's practice on 5/20 is CANCELLED due to this week's graduation at MAP
Spiritwear is available to order in the online Team Store. Go to www.apexvbc.comteamstore
Please make your final payment (if applicable) this week

05/17/2026

Practice before the next match