Simpson’s volleyball team will host a volleyball benefit to raise funds for junior outside hitter Erika Amfahr, who is recovering from injuries sustained in a January car accident.

The benefit, which will consist of a USA Youth Volleyball tournament, is scheduled for March 11. It will start at 8 a.m. and should be done at approximately 7 p.m.

Senior teammate and outside hitter Tiffany Everding compared many other benefits and fundraisers to the one the volleyball team is going to host.

“Pretty much, it’s just like any other benefit,” Everding said. “All proceeds go to expenses for her recovery.”

The tournament is open to all USA Club Volleyball teams across the state. A bracket system will be set up for each of the three age divisions: ages 12 and under, 13 and 14. Medals will be awarded to the winning team of each age division. Each team consists of 10 players. All of the teams are required to pay an entry fee to participate. Head Volleyball Coach Lana Smith is not certain on the exact number of teams entered, but she is expecting several.

“There are a lot of teams,” Smith said. “We have so many courts, however, that they’re definitely not all full.”

The benefit is to be held in Cowles Fieldhouse. Smith is counting on a large turnout, which will be primarily made up of the families of the participants. The Storm volleyball team tries to host four youth tournaments every winter and spring. In the past, Smith has noticed positive crowd response, large turnouts and enthusiasm about the tournaments.

“[The participants and their families] all rave and talk about coming to Simpson for the youth tournaments we host,” Smith said. “Our facilities are perfect. Our location is in the center of the state.”

The idea of hosting the tournament as a benefit for Amfahr belongs to the Simpson volleyball coaching staff. Junior Ashley Nemitz, one of Amfahr’s roommates, likes the idea.

“I think it’s a really good idea to help her and support her family, and to show that everyone cares about her,” Nemitz said. “Since she plays volleyball, I think she’d think it’s a neat idea. She’s a very caring person, and she’d do it for someone else.”

Similar to the other youth volleyball tournaments hosted in the past, concessions will be available in addition to a novelty gift store that caters toward the girls participating. The benefit will also include a silent basket auction, for which many people have donated baskets.

The participants have also received pledges from their communities as a part of the Serve It Up contest. Many members of Amfahr’s community have volunteered to help in various ways at the benefit.

“We’ve had great turnout for volunteers,” Smith said. “I think it gives all those who want to help an opportunity to do so.”

The benefit is open to the public, and Smith encourages all to come in support of Amfahr and her friends and family.

“We really miss Erika’s leadership,” Smith said. “This is what Erika does. She used to play in club volleyball when she was younger.”