A Message from Former AVCA President Sharon Clark

By Sharon Clark, AVCA Past President
Aspire Higher Foundation Co-Founder + Executive Director
Building Communities, Inspiring Change, Elevating Futures.

In January 2020 I became AVCA President, within the first 30 days, a global crisis emerged, and I shared my perspective in a piece called “Through My Lens.” It was about coming out of this COVID-19 Pandemic of uncertainty to be in a better place.

We all weathered that long uncertain storm, and our beloved sport has thrived post pandemic. After retiring in 2023, I now enjoy watching the sport I love remotely (LOL), so let me give you my current view from the stands…

Rising Above the Clouds

I also wrote about emerging “out of the fog,” reflecting on the uncertainty and how we struggled to find clarity in a time of chaos. But as I look around today, I realize that moment of uncertainty was only the calm before the storm.

Now, we stand in another moment of reckoning—not against a virus, but against a deliberate resistance to progress. The pushback against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (also known as “DEI”) efforts in America is not just policy debate; it’s an attempt to turn back the clock, to erase hard-fought progress, and to pretend that equity is optional rather than essential.

Yet, like the morning sun breaking through thick clouds, progress does not yield to resistance. The fight for inclusion, for representation, and for the right of every individual to rise and be seen, heard, and valued is not a passing movement—it is an unstoppable force.

As a coach, a leader, a mentor, I see the next generation standing at this crossroads. They are watching. They are questioning. And they are demanding better. Our job is not to surrender to the storm but to rise above the clouds—to keep moving forward, knowing that clear skies are always on the other side of struggle. This moment is not about retreat. It is about elevating the conversation, amplifying voices, and refusing to be silenced. We do not drift backward into the fog. We rise.

In 2025, I continue to lean into the importance of volleyball as more than just a sport—it is a community built on shared passion, resilience, and a commitment to inclusivity. True progress in volleyball comes from fostering an environment of belonging, where every player, coach, and contributor, regardless of background, identity, or experience level, is valued. This means embracing diversity at every level—from professional leagues to collegiate teams, high schools, and clubs—ensuring that the sport reflects the rich tapestry of individuals who have shaped it.

The history and success of volleyball are deeply intertwined with the contributions of BIPOC athletes, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and countless others who have pushed boundaries, challenged norms, and elevated the game to new heights. Their presence, perseverance, and excellence have made volleyball what it is today—a global sport that thrives on inclusivity, innovation, and integrity. To ignore or diminish these contributions would be to rewrite history and undermine the very essence of the game.

As we move forward, it is essential to champion representation, amplify diverse voices, and create pathways for future generations to access and succeed in the sport. Volleyball’s strength lies in its community, and that community is at its best when it is truly diverse, equitable, and inclusive. We must recognize that our sport would not be where it is today without the collective efforts of all who have played, coached, and contributed—past, present, and future.

Former AVCA Board President Sharon Clark