By: Zahra Bokhari

Jellys Volleyball is taking their talents to Costa Rica this summer. For the first time in the clubs 20-year history, the team will go overseas to aid underprivileged children in San Jose, Costa Rica. 

Club Manager and Assistant Club Manager Kasey and Courtney Gast have been working hard since September 2024 to arrange for 31 coaches and athletes to fly out on this trip. 

The team plans to aid children in and around San Jose, Costa Rica through volleyball, while also assisting in creating food security for residents and providing childcare for families in need of it. 

Courtney had the idea for the trip back to when she was an athlete in the club, for her, this is fulfilling her lifelong dream of taking the club overseas to spread love for the sport of volleyball.  

“Volleyball is an avenue to share love,” she says when discussing motivating factors for organizing the trip. 

The trips team will set up free camps, clinics, and games on both indoor and grass venues around the city. Jellys will also give participants their very own Jellys jersey. 

Throughout the journey of planning this trip, Jellys Volleyball has faced a fair share of challenges themselves. One of their biggest hurdles being financing the trip. However, the support of their local community has been overwhelming. Through a crockpot and chili cook-off fundraiser event held for the trip, the club has been able to raise close to $12,000 in funding towards expenses.  

"It's been amazing to see the investment in our athletes and coaches from local businesses and families" says Kevin and Charlene Krause, Jellys’ Club Directors, who are touched by their community’s aid.  "We have seen such an outpouring of support from people in all walks of life who want to help provide this opportunity to serve others." 

Although the trip will span five days, the goal of their journey is to create a forever lasting impact on the area and on the athletes participating. 

 “We want to emphasize the different challenges the children in Costa Rica have compared to the athletes in our club, we want to give them a sense of awareness and gratitude for things they may take advantage of without even knowing it,” Courtney says. 

Before their trip takes place, they will be participating in the 2025 AAU Volleyball Nationals beginning June 13. We wish them the best of luck on their journey.