Help me get to Thailand to represent NZ at the 2015 Thailand Volleyball Age Group Champs

ABOUT ME

My name is Jodi Stevens, I’m 16 in August and in Year 11 at Western Heights High School in Rotorua.

I’m currently a member of the NZ Age Group Waterpolo team and have just been named in the NZ Junior Women’s Volleyball team.

SPORTS

Since age 10 I have represented Rotorua and the Bay of Plenty in Water polo, Netball, Basketball and Volleyball. At the moment I am a member of the WHHS Senior A Netball Team, Rotorua U16 & U19 Water polo teams, WHHS Senior A Volleyball team and have just joined the Rotovegas Women’s Volleyball team.

TRAINING & COACHING

I have a real passion for sports though at times it can be difficult to keep up, I have training five days a week, some days twice, as well as playing both Volleyball and Netball on the weekends. I often have weeks away with tournaments and training camps during the school holidays, it’s hard spending so much time away from my parents and four sisters but it’s made easier by the strong friendships I have formed with my various team mates.

Unfortunately this year I have had to give up Basketball, though this has made room for me to take up a role as co-coach for the WHHS Year 9 Netball team, this has been challenging though rewarding to pass on the skills I have picked up over the years.

MY FIRST TRIP OVERSEAS

In July of this year I will travel to Bangkok, Thailand with my 11 team mates and coaches Colleen and Himi for 15 days to compete in the Thailand Age Group Championships. Unfortunately Volleyball New Zealand doesn’t receive any funding for High Performance activities so all costs are the responsibility of the athlete. The total cost of the trip is $4000 this includes Travel, Accommodation, Uniform and Competition Entry. My parents are supportive of all my extra-curricular activities though being from a large family this can sometimes be difficult.

THE FUTURE

My hope is that my participation in this tournament will open the door to a successful sporting career, my current goal is to receive a College Scholarship to play Volleyball in the United States.

Any support you can give to help me reach my goals will be truly appreciated.