Sport is one of the most powerful, positive forces in the world today. It can bring communities together, contribute to a global culture of peace, instill the values of fair play and excellence, and inspire nations to band together after unthinkable hardship. It allows those of us who are passionate sportsmen and women to give back through the very same medium that has given us so much.
As a proud member of Team USA, to me, there is no greater feeling than giving back to others through sport while representing our country.
For the next five days, a group of us from the U.S. will head down to Port-au-Prince, Haiti, to run a series of volleyball clinics to help educate coaches and players on the game, and bring a little extra joy to the lives of people who have been through more than their share of hardship. We will also visit a number of orphanages where our medical team will evaluate and treat the children, and we’ll proudly distribute a number of items donated by PSA Events, the U.S. Olympic Committee and USA Volleyball.
We have assembled a very talented and passionate team of coaches that represents many of the different areas of the women’s volleyball game: National Team, collegiate and club from all corners of the country. Most importantly, we all share a love for our sport, a desire to help others through volleyball, and pride in representing our country.
Rebecca, Scott, Tracy and me
Tracy (or “T-Stalls” as her teammates like to call her) is a member of the USA Women’s National Team. Tracy has been on Team USA for a number of years, and as any teammate on the National Team would tell you, Tracy has a huge heart and great outlook on life. Tracy’s outgoing personality combined with her love for the game made her a great fit for this trip.
Rebecca is the assistant coach at Wingate University for legendary USA coach Shelton Collier, and a former player at Wingate and the infamous KIVA club. She is a tough, energy-filled Kentuckian who is outgoing and ready to help everyone in our path.
Scott is a coach at the Austin Juniors Volleyball Club in Austin, Texas. Scott recently was the assistant coach for the Austin Jrs 17-Open team that won the gold in Atlanta, Ga.
As for me, I am an assistant coach at the University of Colorado and a former assistant coach for the USA Women’s National Team. I have been lucky to have had a lot of unbelievable experiences representing our country overseas and at the Olympic Games, and this opportunity is something that is right up there with the most meaningful volleyball experiences of my life.
Rounding out our team in Haiti is the CEO and founder of PSA Events, Lilly, who owns the events firm in Virginia and founded the non-profit Child-in-Hand (http://www.childinhand.org/), formerly known as “Haiti Street.” You may have bought an item or two from the orphans who design beautiful jewelry that Child-in-Hand sells at USAV events across the country to support orphanages across Haiti.
Rich is our group leader and head of our security team, Dr. Macy is the head of our medical team, and we’ll be hosting the volleyball clinics in conjunction with the Haitian Volleyball Federation.
We all feel lucky to get this opportunity to make an impact, however small, and spread some joy for the people and children of Haiti. We hope you’ll join us on our journey.
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