Starlings Volleyball, USA is far more than a youth volleyball program — it is a community where girls find encouragement, confidence, mentorship, and belonging through the sport of volleyball.
Our Vision: Giving all girls a chance to soar
The Vision for Starlings Volleyball, USA is to provide at-risk, disadvantaged youth with equal access to quality volleyball programs, regardless of financial hardship, ethnicity, or skill level, through exposure to training and participation in the sport of volleyball. Starlings uses the platform of sport to empower each player with academic excellence, healthy lifestyle choices, and excellent character.
COMMUNITY
Starlings Volleyball, USA is far more than a youth volleyball program — it is a community where girls find encouragement, confidence, mentorship, and belonging through the sport of volleyball.
Through quality training, competition, and meaningful relationships with coaches and teammates, Starlings helps young athletes develop strength both on and off the court. The dedication of our partners, supporters, directors, and coaches makes this impact possible, creating opportunities for girls to grow, lead, and thrive in a safe and supportive environment.
Inclusion
Starlings provides equal access to quality volleyball programs, regardless of financial hardship, ethnicity or skill level.
EMPOWERMENT
We support and train coaches to be effective teachers as well as sensitive mentors in the lives of the Starlings players. Additionally, we promote and celebrate success off the court, in the classroom, and through creative outlets such as art and literary works.
SUPPORT
Starlings Volleyball, USA is committed to keeping club fees affordable for all girls while supporting dedicated coaches and directors, and providing a safe, meaningful experience. To ease financial burden, players can request help with club fees through our online assistance program.
In the Beginning
Starlings Volleyball, USA began with a single, inner-city volleyball team of 11 girls in 1996. Founder Byron Shewman, a Men's National Team Champion and Olympian Kim Oden, sought to establish a volleyball/academic program that would serve girls from lower socioeconomic groups. Far more than a youth program, Starlings is a home-base for girls seeking to find empowerment, direction and love within a setting of quality volleyball training and competition.
Today & The Future
Today, Starlings is the nation's largest non-profit junior volleyball club with teams in more than 50 cities and Native American reservations throughout the U.S. Approximately 3,500 girls currently participate in the Starlings program annually. In July 1998, 24 Starlings teams from across the country participated in the first annual Starlings National Championship in Dallas, Texas. The competition, now held in Southern California, hosts 150 teams and over 1500 girls each year!