Volleyball dreams

I am writing to request that HISD considers a boys volleyball league.

I am not sure why we have limited our district’s volleyball program to only female participants.

Volleyball is an excellent sport for boys as it requires quick reflexes, hand-eye coordination and athletic ability.

Every high school student could benefit from the numerous advantages that come with playing volleyball.

The United States has a men’s national volleyball team that competes in the Olympics. It is my goal to join this team one day.

However, this goal will most likely be out of reach for me, as my family cannot afford to pay for club sports, or drive me to different areas of Houston multiple days a week. Meaning only those who have financial and situational advantages are able to achieve the goal of playing on the U.S. Men’s National Volleyball team.

By not having a volleyball league for HISD, or an allowance for male participants in the current program, you are allowing society to stifle the opportunities that underprivileged students could have. You are allowing those born into privilege to achieve what we will never have the opportunity to experience. You are setting us back further and not giving us the opportunity to reach our goals.

I beg of you to allow male participants in the current volleyball program, or to create a program in which male participants can play a sport that they love, or that can give them a better life and opportunities. Josue Valentin, Houston, high school sophomore, AP student and varsity athlete