To the editor:

The Keweenaw Volleyball Club would like to take this opportunity to thank their 2019-2020 sponsors for their generous support, but also share with the community the impact that this sponsorship has had on 30 young women from Houghton and Baraga Counties.

The club was created to develop girls’ volleyball skills at the middle school/early high school level and also to empower the girls by showing them they can do more than they might think. Foundationally, the organization is built on five principles: positivity, respect and empowerment; building foundational volleyball skills; loving learning; fitness and health; and teamwork. One participant said this about her experience: “KVC made me love the game more than I did and taught me so much about the game. Plus, I made a lot of new friends.” The impact this program has had on its participants is far beyond tournament wins and losses. More important results have been empowered young women who work hard, encourage their teammates, and maintain a positive self-image. These principles are reinforced by the organization’s director, Richelle Winkler, in addition to current Michigan Tech volleyball players and KVC coaches, MacAulay Peterson, Olivia Gormley, Brianna Sharkey and Anna Jonyas.

The 30 players range from 6th grade to 10th grade and come from 6 different school districts. Throughout the season they have participated in 11 out-of-state tournaments.

Thank you to this year’s sponsors and the life-long impact they have made on these 30 young women: Copper Country Ford, UP Health System-Portage, and Road Machinery & Supplies.