Spiking Down Under: USA to Sidney Volleyball Adventure

Christina Grant Start Date: Oct 19, 2023 - End Date: Apr 18, 2024
  • Cultural Exchange
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Leadership/Training Program
  • Sydney NSW, Australia

My Travel Story

by: Christina Grant Start Date: Oct 19, 2023 - End Date: Apr 18, 2024
  • Cultural Exchange
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Leadership/Training Program
Autumn is not only a scholar athlete but also an accomplished musician, showcasing excellence in playing the clarinet. Her talents extend far beyond the volleyball court, as she has achieved the remarkable feat of earning 1st Chair Clarinet in the 2023 ECODBA All-District Jr High Honor Band in her 8th grade year. In the previous year, in her 7th grade, she held the 2nd Chair Clarinet in the 2022 ECODBA All-District Middle School Honor Band. Autumn's academic achievements have been nothing short of exceptional, earning her the prestigious distinction of being selected for her school's Gifted and Talented Program for 5 consecutive years. Her dedication to her studies, along with her prowess in both volleyball and music, speaks volumes about her well-rounded capabilities. This program recognizes her outstanding intellectual potential and further underscores her status as a scholar-athlete and musician of extraordinary promise.

It's worth noting that once volleyball coaches look past the conventional image of what a volleyball player should look like, they quickly realize that they have a tactical genius playing on their team in Autumn. Her unconventional appearance may not fit the stereotypical mold, but her skills, passion, and unwavering commitment to the sport set her apart. She possesses the ability to outshine expectations and surpass the standards, proving that true talent transcends preconceived notions.

Yet, as a single-mom family, we are confronted with financial challenges and require assistance to make her Sydney adventure and her upcoming 2023-2024 volleyball club season possible. These experiences will not only enhance her chances of securing a volleyball scholarship but also broaden her horizons, equipping her with valuable life lessons and international perspectives that she can use to make a profound difference in her community. Your support will not only be an investment in her athletic journey but also in a multi-talented scholar-athlete and musician's promising future.

About the Travel:
Traveling itineraries for the 2024 Down Under Games occuring in July 2024 are handled through ACIS and volleyball rooster and training is handled through America's Team. We were capable to secure her spot on the team but we need your help raising the remaining amounts. Cost for each player on the volleyball team is $6421 by March 1, 2024. This covers round-trip flights, breakfast and dinners, 3- or 4-star hotel stays, 24/7 tour manager, transportation, and some arranged touring and site seeing excursions, and what is not covered is lunches and personal spending. Family that are wanting to come must also pay same amount per family member of $6421 by March 1, 2024. Deadlines for athlete participants are $495 for athlete only (PAID) by last day of August 2023, $1095 by January 1, 2024 and the remaining amounts by March 1st. $12,842.00 is the total amount we need assistance with and is purely for ACIS traveling arrangements. I intend to accompany Autumn and to raise enough funds for our lunches and personal spending.

Autumn's ambition is nothing short of awe-inspiring. As a freshman in high school, she has already set her sights on a career path, aspiring to become a veterinarian with a focus on bioengineering and genetics (true words! All this came from her mouth). Her clarity of purpose and determination to make a difference in the field of veterinary science is truly remarkable.

As her mom, you undoubtedly share her dreams and aspirations, and achieving a full-ride college scholarship would indeed be a dream come true. Given her outstanding academic success, musical excellence, dedication to volleyball, and her unwavering passion for everything she takes on, it's evident that she is well on her way to making her dreams a reality. Autumn's journey is a testament to her exceptional talent and the potential to excel in multiple domains. With the right support and opportunities, there's no doubt that she'll continue to shine and, in the future, contribute significantly to the world of veterinary science. Your dedication and her remarkable abilities are a winning combination, and her future is certainly filled with promise and potential.
  • Sydney NSW, Australia