June 24, 2013 — One player, one team and one club won the inaugural Side-Out/JVA National Dig Pink® Awards! Representing Indiana, Texas and Nebraska respectively, McKenzie Haite, Texas Image 15 Mizuno June and Pinnacle Juniors Volleyball Club earned the most award nominations from their communities. In addition to their passion for volleyball, all three winners demonstrated leadership within their clubs and regions in both the sport and in the area of breast cancer education.

The award was created in partnership with the Junior Volleyball Association (JVA), and the 3 winners will be announced at the JVA Mid-Year Meeting June 24th in Orlando, FL and also at the AVCA All America/Players of the Year Banquet at the Annual American Volleyball Coaches Assocation (AVCA) Convention in Seattle, WA this December. Each winner will receive a plaque and a certificate of appreciation.

Rick Dunetz, executive director of The Side-Out Foundation, considers awards an essential part of Side-Out’s mission: “We are honored to have the opportunity to work with the JVA and recognize McKenzie, Texas Image 15 Mizuno June and Pinnacle Juniors Volleyball Club. They exemplify the spirit of youth volleyball and the power of community. They are the heart of both Side-Out and the JVA, and we are so grateful for their support.”

Jenny Hahn, executive director of the JVA, couldn’t agree more: “The JVA believes that youth volleyball should focus on the education and shaping of athletes as both players and as individual members of a community. It is so rewarding to honor those who are dedicated to the mission of the JVA as well as the betterment of society in general.”

The Side-Out/JVA National Dig Pink® Awards will be offered again in the 2014 club season. The awards are part of the Side-Out Ambassador Program, a scholarship and community service awards program designed to recognize students who host Dig Pink events and engage their communities in raising funds and learning more about breast cancer.