Hello
Hi! I'm Tonya, a sophomore at Hangzhou International School, raised in Southern California. Volleyball isn't just a sport to me, it's my passion, my escape, and something that has shaped me as a person. It has taught me discipline, confidence, teamwork, and resilience. Beyond the skills and competition, what makes volleyball truly special to me is the sense of belonging and growth it brings.
That's why I started The Volley Project. I have had the privilege of training and playing for years, but I know that not everyone has the same opportunities as me. Here in China, I've seen firsthand how many students lack access to coaching, resources, or even the encouragement to pursue sports. I believe that everyone deserves the chance to experience the impact that volleyball, and sports in general, can have on a person's life.
The project
The Volley Project is starting as my IB MYP Personal Project, where I am learning how to coach and teach volleyball effectively. As a part of this journey, I run training sessions for younger students, documenting their progress and my growth as a coach. I also research and write about the physical, mental, and social benefits of sports, while interviewing athletes, coaches, and parents to understand different perspective on youth sports.​​​
THe future
What's starting as a school project is something I want to expand beyond just my coaching experience. My long-term vision is to grow The Volley Project into a nonprofit organization that works to increase access to volleyball training and raise awareness about the life-changing benefits of sports. I want to collaborate with like-minded athletes, coaches, and organizations who are committed to creating opportunities for those who may not have them.
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