About the art and Literary contest:
The Starlings philosophy is a holistic one: competition is good but sports should also be fun. We encourage our athletes to develop all their talents. For this reason, we proudly promote our annual Art & Literary Contest.
The Starlings Art & Literary Contest debuted at the 2000 National Championship and has proven to be a highlight of each season since. Once a year, all girls in a Starlings program are invited to submit artistic and literary works on specific themes and in categories that include essays, poetry, painting, drawing, sculpture and photography. The winners are honored each year at the Starlings National Championship.
2025 Theme: Play with Heart
Prompt:
- In volleyball—and in life—true greatness isn’t just measured by points scored or matches won. It’s found in the passion that drives you, the effort you give even when no one is watching, and the way you lift your teammates when the game gets tough. To play with heart means to lead with courage, compete with integrity, and give everything you have—on and off the court.
- For this Art and Literary Contest, we invite you to explore the theme “Play With Heart”. Utilize your creativity and consider what it means to give your all. Not just for victory, but for love of the game, for your teammates, and for the journey itself.
2025 Winners:
- Art Grand Prize Winner: Hozhoni Greyes, Shonto Starlings. 17
- Lit Grand Prize Winner: Kaelynn Gonzales, Starlings Central Valley, 15
- Gold Medal Winners
- 12U: Peyton Shorty, Shonto Starlings, 9 (Art)
- 14U: Alina Leyvas, Starlings West, 13 (Art)
- 16U: Gabriellen Kaneshiro, Starlings Antelope Valley, 15 (Art)
- 18U: Breanna Ontiveros, Starlings South Central LA, 17 (Lit)
- Silver Medal Winners
- 12U: Zaida Davis, Starlings Berkeley, 12 (Art)
- 14U: Kaylen Aneeka Dela Cruz, Starlings Eastlake, 14 (Lit)
- 16U: Rori Divijak, Starlings West, 16 (Lit)
- 18U: Rielle Chloe Canlas, Starlings Granada Hills, 17 (Lit)
- Bronze Medal Winners
- 12U: Brooklyn Baker, Mission Trails Starlings, 11 (Art)
- 14U: Isabella Cho-Sanzhez, Starlings South Central LA, 13 (Art)
- 16U: Tabby Talarizadeh, Starlings West, 16 (Lit)
- 18U: Caniyah Patrick, Starlings Antelope Valley, 18 (Lit)