Causes We Care About

SOAR

SOAR is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing a platform for women coaches to elevate their voices and engage in meaningful discussions about gender issues. Founded by Tonya Johnson, Head Volleyball Coach at LSU, SOAR is committed to creating an environment that fosters a strong and intimate community of support for female coaches. SOAR believes in inspiring, empowering, and connecting female coaches by providing them with a safe and inclusive space to share their knowledge, experiences, and ideas.

Learn more about SOAR

Teal Attack

Teal Attack is a movement centered on high school and collegiate athletic events to raise awareness and funds for ovarian cancer support. All proceeds from Teal Attack events go toward supporting the Michigan Ovarian Cancer Alliance. The Teal Attack program was started by Karen O’Brien, former Head Volleyball Coach at St. Mary’s Catholic Central and ovarian cancer survivor.

Learn more about Teal Attack

AVCA Diversity Awards

The Diversity Awards program is the next phase in the evolution of the organization’s diversity initiatives and minority coach development programming. Since 2002, the AVCA has been intentional with targeted programming designed to assist ethnic minority coaches in gaining access to the coaching profession and advancing in their coaching careers. The AVCA Diversity Development Team has developed this award to continue the AVCA’s vision for creating opportunities and advancing the volleyball coaching profession.

Learn more about AVCA Diversity Awards

The Hidden Opponent

The Hidden Opponent is an accredited non-profit and advocacy group that raises awareness for student-athlete mental health and addresses the stigma within sports culture through advocacy, education, and support. Learn more or donate to The Hidden Opponent.

Learn more about The Hidden Opponent

Kennedy's Cause

Kennedy’s Cause is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The corporation was founded on the belief that what is most important is recognizing everyone's inner beauty. It is committed to raising awareness of Lymphatic Malformation by spreading the message of “Let your inner beauty SHINE.” Through fundraising events, selling merchandise, and community service, the corporation strives to find ways to touch those with Lymphatic Malformation by supporting research for a cure and lending support to families with children dealing with related medical issues.” – kennedyscause.com. Kennedy Hubbard was the inspiration and the first recipient of the Sports Imports/AVCA Courage Award in 2015. In addition to leading Kennedy’s Cause, she is an active member of the volleyball community.

Learn more about Kennedy's Cause

Columbus Community Youth Camp

Community Youth Camp, run by the Columbus Foundation, is a 4-day sports camp for children ages 6 to 12. Community Youth Camp strives to give every child the opportunity to play sports – camper spots are held for children who may not otherwise have the chance to attend sports camp. During the camp, campers will try 16 different sports, instructed by members of the Columbus community.

Learn more about Columbus Community Youth Camp

WE SERVE FIRST FOUNDATION

What would you do when faced with the unimaginable? Would you think of others? Ellen Toy did. She wondered how she could continue to impact the volleyball community locally and beyond. Together, we created the We Serve First Foundation. We dreamed of helping athletes with financial difficulties get the training they need to be successful on the court, in the classroom, and throughout their lives. So Ellen lives on. The foundation has since helped almost one hundred twenty kids get advanced coaching in the sport of volleyball.

Learn more about www.jamthegym.com

Welcome Home Collaborative

Welcome Home Collaborative’s mission is to provide transitional housing for those experiencing homelessness, the working poor, and struggling families who are looking for a second chance in life and who are willing to participate in a structured program focused on real change. Our two-year program provides tools that will allow program participants to build a solid foundation for life. All individuals and family heads are assigned a Life Coach who will collaborate with them throughout their journey to create a Life Plan for true change and transformation.

Learn more about www.welcomehomecollaborative.org

The Kathy DeBoer Courage Award

The Kathy DeBoer Courage Award honors a transformative figure in volleyball whose impact extends far beyond the court. DeBoer led Michigan State to two Big Ten Championships as a player before building a successful coaching career at Ferris State and the University of Kentucky, where she secured three SEC titles and multiple NCAA Championship appearances.

As Executive Director of the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA), DeBoer became a powerful advocate for gender equality in sports. She championed Title IX implementation and ensured female athletes received equal opportunities. Her work focused on educating coaches and administrators while fighting to uphold Title IX principles in practice.

This award celebrates DeBoer's pioneering legacy, including her athletic achievement and determination to reshape the sporting landscape for women. It inspires future generations to continue advocating for equality in athletics.

Learn more about AVCA Kathy DeBoer Courage Award

Breast Cancer Awareness

Susan G. Komen

Susan G. Komen, founded in 1982 by Nancy Brinker in memory of her sister Susan, is a leading organization dedicated to combating breast cancer. Sports Imports is committed to supporting its mission to save lives by addressing critical community needs and investing in groundbreaking research aimed at prevention and treatment. Komen has funded nearly $3.6 billion in research and community outreach, significantly contributing to advancements in breast cancer therapies and early detection methods. The organization is also known for its Race for the Cure, a major fundraising event that raises global awareness and support for breast cancer initiatives. Komen's multifaceted approach includes advocacy, education, and global outreach, striving for a world without breast cancer.

Learn more about Susan G. Komen

Side-Out Foundation

Sports Imports is a national sponsor of the Side-Out Foundation, a program committed to unifying the sport of volleyball with its alliance with the movement for breast cancer awareness and education. Side-Out programs help middle school, high school, college, club, and professional volleyball players and coaches engage with and support the breast cancer community. Its efforts help underwrite breast cancer clinical trials and research, support community breast cancer organizations, and offer camps and clinics for volleyball players that focus on life skills during adversity. The Side-Out Foundation and Sports Imports also team up to highlight select college, high school, and club “Dig Pink” events during the nation’s “Dig Pink October Rally” and “Dig Pink Tour.” Athletes wearing pink compete on “pinked out” net systems with special pads and net tapes for their events.

Learn more about Side-Out Foundation

Causes Supported by Sports Imports