Volleyball @ St. Vincent Community Center

Note: The purpose of Volleyball @ reviews is to separate commentary about sports leagues and their facilities from the schools, community centers and churches who host these groups. Attention is paid in particular to the sport of volleyball and player needs for that.
The short line: a good gym with a league inexplicably on the ebb.
St. Vincent Community Center (St. Louis County Parks) hosts leagues and play via a private organizer, Sports Monster. Like other Sports Monster leagues, online organization and player matching are a big plus for those looking to break into the St. Louis area’s volleyball scene. The group offers three levels of play (Backyard through Spiker) and encourages potential participants to sign up accordingly.
The quality of the gym at St. Vincent Park is good overall. Ceilings, while not exceptionally high, are high enough to facilitate good play and the floor is in good condition too. The depths around the two courts are average and there are a few sets of bleachers. While they may be available, ref stands weren’t used in the most recent season here. There are water fountains located just outside of the gym (one immediately inside the center’s front door and another through the door towards the back of the gym) along with basic bathroom/​changing facilities.
Play quality has been inconsistent here, which is surprising. Even noting that SM was offering «bumper”-class play (read: recreational in other leagues’ nomenclature; a handful of good players, a good number of fair players and a few true beginners), the high number of players who turned over from week to week, despite signing up for and paying for a full season was odd. Refs were enthusiastic players themselves and there was a decidedly energetic atmosphere (many weeks included background music), but there’s only so much that an organizer can do to make good games happen when there aren’t many people on the court.