Get to Know Volley Hope
By: Alyesha Shah
VolleyHope: Igniting Young Leaders through Volleyball
A remarkable story unfolds with 16-year-old Alyesha Shah at its heart. As the founder and President of VolleyHope, Alyesha, along with Vice President Anna Wagner and Ambassador Dodi Drozd, has transformed her passion for volleyball into a force for change. VolleyHope, a nonprofit focusing on empowering young, underserved athletes, embodies Alyesha's vision and Anna's support. It combines sports education with leadership development.
A Mission of Empowerment and Unity
VolleyHope's mission resonates with energy and empowerment, nurturing children from diverse backgrounds. It creates an inclusive and safe space where females, aged 8-12 years old, from all backgrounds unite, learning volleyball while embarking on a transformative journey of personal growth and sportsmanship.
The club's foundation is based on what Alyesha calls the five pillars: self-confidence, which is key in the pressure-filled serve-receive aspect of volleyball and cultivating mental agility and poise. Leadership is crucial, especially in strategic playmaking and collaboration. Teamwork is essential in defense, requiring constant communication for effective play. The club also values Continual Progress, celebrating each player's journey and success. Lastly, Inclusivity & Diversity are at its heart, ensuring volleyball's joys are accessible to all, enriching the sport with varied experiences. VolleyHope is about holistic personal and communal growth, reflecting these core values in every workshop.
The "VolleyHope Workbook": A Guide to Greatness
The "VolleyHope Workbook," authored by Alyesha Shah and available on Amazon, is a beacon for aspiring young leaders. It intertwines volleyball skills with leadership qualities, offering an interactive path to personal and team excellence.
Workshops: Celebrating Learning and Leadership
VolleyHope's fun workshop, led by Alyesha and her partner Anna Wagner, was a symphony of joy and learning. It showcases the organization's commitment to fostering a sense of community, teamwork, and the sheer delight of the sport.
VolleyHope's primary approach to engaging students is through its enriching workshops, an opportunity for reflecting and learning. This unique workshop structure efficiently develops both well-being and volleyball skills. Each session is strategically divided: the initial 30 minutes focus on skill building around the five pillars through hands-on volleyball play, followed by 30 minutes of workbook activities for reflection and reinforcement of lessons learned, culminating in building personal growth uniquely on and off the court.
Building on the Foundation of Success
In early December, VolleyHope celebrated a significant milestone with its first workshop, marking the beginning of a transformative journey. This inaugural event was not just a session but a launchpad that inspired 13 young female athletes, igniting their passion for volleyball and leadership. The success of this workshop is a testament to VolleyHope's commitment and effectiveness in making a real difference in the lives of young aspiring athletes. On the success of their first camp, VolleyHope is excited to introduce a 5-day summer camp next year. Scan the QR code below for more information and ways to get involved with VolleyHope.
Looking Ahead with Hope and Aspiration
VolleyHope is more than an organization; it's a visionary movement. It aims to reach and inspire more females, building a community where everyone can thrive through the power of volleyball and leadership.
Discover more about this inspirational journey at volleyhope.com.
