Carlisle Crush Volleyball Tournament: Growing A Regional Sports Legacy

A Homegrown Vision for Community and Competition

What began as a local idea among volleyball enthusiasts has quickly evolved into one of Central Pennsylvania’s most dynamic sporting events. The Carlisle Crush Volleyball Tournament, hosted by the Carlisle Family YMCA, was born from a simple vision: to bring together players of all ages and skill levels for a weekend of spirited play and community connection.

Local resident Rob Cole, inspired by large-scale tournaments such as the Susquehanna Smash and Pottstown Rumble, rallied a team of passionate organizers and athletes to launch a tournament that would put Carlisle on the map for grass volleyball. Designed with inclusivity in mind, the event features more than 20 divisions—from youth and parent-child matches to doubles, triples, and quads. The YMCA’s commitment to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility made it the ideal host for this growing tradition.

Grants That Fueled Growth

The tournament’s success story is closely tied to the support of the Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation (CAEDC). Through its Destination Sales Grant program, CAEDC has helped transform the Carlisle Crush from a promising local event into a regional tourism driver.

In 2024, the Carlisle Family YMCA received $15,220.53 in funding from CAEDC to enhance infrastructure and visitor experience—covering field preparation, tent rentals, porta-pots, marketing, and family-friendly entertainment such as a DJ, bounce house, and promotional videography.

The results were remarkable:

• Teams grew by more than 50%, from 204 in 2023 to 369 in 2024.
• Player participation doubled, from 483 to 972 athletes, representing 14 states, including California and Florida.
• Attendance soared to 1,540 visitors over three days, including roughly 300 overnight stays.
• Local vendor participation increased, with six regional food vendors serving guests and athletes.

According to YMCA Chief Operating Officer Justin Rose, “Receiving this grant enabled us to implement key changes that directly fueled our growth. We were able to strategically enhance tournament services, introduce family attractions, and involve more local vendors—all of which elevated the experience for participants and visitors alike.”

Sustaining Momentum in 2025

Building on the momentum from 2024, the YMCA set ambitious goals for 2025—to host 450 teams, attract more than 1,100 players, and draw 2,500 visitors. To support this continued expansion, CAEDC awarded an additional $24,155.08 Destination Sales Grant, which funded critical logistics, visitor amenities, and entertainment enhancements to ensure a first-rate experience for all.

The tournament exceeded expectations once again:

• 463 teams competed in 2025—a 126% increase over the 2023 inaugural year.
• Player registrations grew to 1,176, a 20% increase from 2024.
• Attendance nearly doubled to 3,075 visitors as compared to 2024.
• Almost half of all players traveled more than 50 miles, underscoring the tournament’s growing regional and national reach.

This steady growth reflects the event’s rising name recognition, commitment to quality, and year-round engagement with athletes and teams.

Building for the Future

With three successful tournaments completed, organizers are now looking ahead to expand the “Crush” brand beyond volleyball. Long-term goals include developing a “Crush Series” of youth-focused sporting events and adding new sports such as lacrosse and ultimate frisbee, positioning Carlisle as a summer hotspot for competitive recreation.

This growth is about more than sports. It embodies the community spirit and economic vitality that CAEDC’s Destination Sales Grant aims to foster—bringing visitors, families, and spending power into Cumberland Valley while building local pride and regional recognition.

A Win for the Entire Region

The Carlisle Crush Volleyball Tournament is a model of how strategic investment in grassroots events can generate lasting regional impact. With CAEDC’s support, the YMCA transformed a local idea into a thriving tourism asset that aligns perfectly with the county’s economic development goals.

As Rose summarized, “The Destination Sales Grant continues to play a pivotal role in the success of the Carlisle Crush. With its support, we’ve expanded facilities, adding 21 nets for a total of 62, introduced new family attractions, and deepened engagement with local vendors.  Carlisle Crush has quickly become a summer tradition that showcases what makes our region special and positions Carlisle as a premier regional sports destination.”

The ongoing success of the Carlisle Crush illustrates the enduring value of CAEDC’s investment—boosting local tourism, supporting small businesses, and strengthening community events that enrich the entire Cumberland Valley.