Dear Core family and friends,

I am writing to you today to let you know that after 11 wonderful years, Core Values VBC will be closing after our Summer Beach 2025 sessions. I have thought long and hard about continuing the Club for the 2025-26 season and have made the difficult decision to close Core’s operations. Regretfully, our 2024-25 club season was our last club season for Core.

Core Values VBC was started by Cynthia and Michael Dang in 2014. Cynthia had a remarkable vision to provide a home that focused on more than just volleyball. Core has helped athletes grow volleyball and life-skills like confidence, discipline and determination. I took over ownership and as the Director 4 years ago. It is a bittersweet moment, and I look back with great memories and will always appreciate the athletes, families, and coaches with whom I have crossed paths.

I have decided to close the Club for many reasons. It has been a gut-wrenching decision for me, but I believe it is the best one for myself and family. Rising costs and continuous challenges to ensure we are able to provide a competitive and low-cost solution were also key factors in my decision to step away. With this announcement at this time, I am hopeful families will have opportunities to evaluate other clubs prior to the upcoming 25-26 club tryout cycle.

I will fondly remember so many things from practices, clinics, volunteer work, beach, team bonding activities, travel tournaments, coach training sessions, and so many other memories. There are so many impactful people to thank in my journey at Core! More than I can list here. I am so thankful for Cynthia Dang mentoring me and trusting me to continue her vision. I thank all our hard-working coaching staff and parents who have volunteered their time to help the Club over the years. I am grateful for our partnership with DU CPEX and providing mental toughness training to our athletes, as well as Brooke Rundle for Sports Psychology training. I have also made so many wonderful friends who are coaches and directors from other clubs. Thank you for your friendship and support. I am also thankful for guest coaches like Tracy Insalaco who have conducted skill clinics as well.

I am touched by parents who have chosen Core and our smaller family-community focused program over the years. I believe the Core coaching staff has had a positive influence on players’ lives over the years. With this positive focus, it helps me be at peace with this decision.

Thank you to everyone who has called Core home over the years. I wish everyone the best and am thankful I was able to be part of so many wonderful memories.

Brianna Smith (Coach Bri) - Director/Head Coach