The Capitol Hill Volleyball Classic has become one of the premier youth sporting events in the country and a cornerstone of Washington, DC’s winter sports calendar. Founded in 2007 by Barry and Bonnie Goldberg, the tournament was envisioned to bring high-level girls’ club volleyball to the nation’s capital, providing athletes in the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond with a stage that rivaled the best events in the country. That first year, just over 140 teams gathered to compete on 18 courts, and while modest in scale, the foundation for something much bigger had been set.

Over the years, the event grew rapidly in both size and reputation. By its 10th anniversary, the Classic had transformed the Walter E. Washington Convention Center into a massive festival of volleyball, occupying multiple exhibit halls with more than 100 courts. The numbers continued to climb, and in 2017 and 2018 the tournament welcomed nearly 1,000 teams and over 12,000 athletes annually. With crowds of more than 80,000 spectators across Presidents’ Day Weekend, the Classic delivered an estimated economic impact of more than $20 million each year, filling hotels, restaurants, and businesses throughout the city while showcasing DC as a vibrant destination for youth sports.

The competitive draw of the Capitol Hill Classic is matched only by its atmosphere. For athletes, the event is an opportunity to test themselves against some of the best club teams in the nation, often in front of college coaches and recruiters. For families and fans, it is a chance to take part in a unique sporting experience, blending the intensity of competition with the backdrop of Washington’s monuments and cultural legacy. As the largest President’s Day tournament in the country, the Classic has become a rite of passage for thousands of young athletes on their volleyball journey.

The event has also shown resilience in the face of challenges. In 2021, amid the COVID-19 pandemic and heightened security in Washington, organizers shifted the Classic to Atlanta for a special one-year edition. Though scaled down to 150 teams, the move preserved the continuity of the event and demonstrated its adaptability. The following year, the Classic returned to its home in DC, once again filling the convention center with the sound of whistles, cheers, and the unmistakable rhythm of volleyball.

The story of the Capitol Hill Classic is inseparable from the legacy of its co-founder, Barry Goldberg, who passed away in 2023. Known widely as the longtime head coach of American University women’s volleyball, Barry built one of the most successful programs in the nation, leading the Eagles to more than 800 victories, 16 NCAA Tournament appearances, and 11 Patriot League championships. His passion for the sport and his commitment to nurturing young athletes’ growth on and off the court left an indelible mark on the volleyball community. The Classic, which he launched with Bonnie to give young women a stage for competition and inspiration, remains one of the most visible testaments to his vision and dedication.

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Now approaching its 20th anniversary in 2026, the Capitol Hill Volleyball Classic will not only celebrate two decades of competition but also honor Coach Barry Goldberg’s remarkable life and contributions to the sport. Planned commemorations will pay tribute to his legacy as a coach, mentor, and visionary leader who helped shape the volleyball landscape in Washington, DC and across the nation. From its humble beginnings to its current stature as a nationally recognized powerhouse tournament, the Classic reflects the dedication of its founders, the passion of its athletes, and the spirit of community that has grown around it.

Each year, as Presidents’ Day Weekend approaches in Washington, DC, volleyball takes center stage in the nation’s capital—an enduring tradition of competition, inspiration, and legacy.