For as long as I can remember, my parents have been volleyball athletes, but it wasn’t until my freshman year in high school that I really gained interest in the sport. So, that summer, I trained hard with my parents and made varsity the following year. My accomplishments sophomore through senior year included: “Most Improved Player”, 2x “Most Valuable Player”, 2x “All Conference Player” and Captain.

 

After competing in high school and being recognized for my hard work, my passion for volleyball deepened. I continued to grow, gain experience, and improve my skills through Hmong volleyball tournaments. I led team Hype, who participated in 10-15 Hmong volleyball tournaments year-round in MN/WI, and we took first in more than half of them. One of our biggest accomplishments as a team was winning the Hmong Freedom Festival (Hmong’s National Volleyball Tournament) in 2014; we almost repeated this achievement when we finished as the runner-up during the 2018 Hmong Freedom Festival.

 

I’ve continued to play volleyball recreationally and participate in local Hmong volleyball tournaments from time to time. However, the more I played and learned, the more I found myself wanting to share my passion for the game more than I wanted to play it; that is what started my journey as a volleyball coach. I started as an assistant coach for Hype Training, moved on to become a head coach in 2014 for East Side Storm Volleyball Club, and coached that club for three years before I transitioned to coaching Hype Volleyball.

 

As I continue on my coaching journey, I hope to inspire, share my passion for and knowledge of volleyball, and transfer my skills to young athletes who may one day find themselves in the same position I am today—loving the game and passing that love on.