Courtesy: Chattanooga Athletics
Chattanooga Mocs volleyball sophomore Bailey Bennett (College Station, Texas) and the ‘Athletes in Action Volleyball’ organization are currently embarking on an opportunity of a lifetime.
The AIA organization focuses on growing the World through sport while building lifelong relationships. They host a platform for student-athletes to grow as individuals and experience real life change.
“I’ve never been out of the country so it’s a little nerve racking to be going so far from home, but this mission trip is an incredible opportunity for me to grow not only as a volleyball player, but as a person,” said Bennett.
“Personally, I play volleyball because I love the sport and I love the people that have been brought into my life through it.”
The tour through West Africa runs from May 19th through June 3rd and will feature of mixture of competition and clinical work with local youth to help grow the sport Internationally.
Bennett and the AIA team, which is comprised of mostly male and female student-athletes from Canada, will compete against the Ivory Coast Women’s National Team in both indoor and beach matches, allowing the group to face high-level competition and improve their knowledge of the game.
On the days without competition, AIA will host clinics for the local youth to build lifelong relationships in addition to support their mission of growing the World through sport.
Excitement is met with nerves, but Bennett couldn’t be more eager for the chance to grow the sport of volleyball around the world while most importantly, growing as a person.
“Ultimately, I play volleyball with a mission mindset; volleyball is the platform I use to share the love and grace that Christ shows me, with my teammates,” added Bennett.
Head coach Travis Filar couldn’t be more ecstatic for Bailey to represent her selflessness in Africa while showcasing what the Chattanooga volleyball program is all about.
“The experience Bailey is getting ready to have in Africa speaks volumes of who she is as a person, her selflessness, and how big her heart is for others,” said Filar.
“I also believe this trip represents the uniqueness and culture of our program, how special our student-athletes truly are, and that they understand the importance of being a part of things bigger than themselves.
“I love the fact that Bailey will be training and competing at a high level throughout this trip, but more importantly, I know her life, along with the people she will spend time with, will be changed by this incredible experience and perspective to be gained.”
Follow along on Twitter @GoMocsVB for pictures, stories & a recap of Bailey’s trip to West Africa.
About Athletes in Action Volleyball
Athletes in Action Volleyball was started in 1982 by Barb Bernlohr and Bobby Herron. The first women’s team was sent out that same year, traveling to Japan. Our focus has been to send our teams internationally, which has led us all over the globe to countries in Latin America, Africa, Europe and Asia. We understand the hunger athletes have to learn and to go out and see the world. From this hunger, tours and projects were born to challenge and provide space for those athletes to learn, grow and go. AIA Volleyball is committed to seeking God’s leading, looking to maximize the impact in the countries we travel to, and investing wholly into the participants on our tours.
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