Athletics at TIA: a path to being a better student and maybe to a sports scholarship

When it comes to preparing students for college, TIA is at the top of its game. TIA volleyball teams were given the opportunity to get some skills- building time with 25 year veteran head University of Arizona Volleyball coach, Dave Rubio.  Coach Rubio has led the UofA to nineteen NCAA appearances with thirteen 20-win seasons, including guiding Arizona to its first ever Pac-10 title. With a history and reputation like that, it’s no wonder the exclusive free clinic for TIA created some excitement among our students as they lined up to enter the courts to start playing and learning. Many Midvale students explained that this is their first year playing, and had no idea what fun it was, or what opportunities athletics could provide for a future college education. In fact, for TIA’s west campus girls’ volleyball team, who are champs this year, several were already being observed by coach Rubio for possible future roles on the UofA team. Exciting! This goes to show that if you work hard and are disciplined, anything is possible. Sports scholarship opportunities “After this year, I wasn’t going to play volleyball. But when I learned how many benefits there are… ok, I got this!” said Jocelyn at Midvale campus. Jocelyn went on to say that getting to meet volleyball players from the UofA was the most exciting thing about the experience. I’m sure it was, as one UofA’s freshmen players said, “there’s a lot of money to go to school for women’s volleyball.” Desereè, TIA student and player who was also being viewed by coach Rubio, shared that she was looking forward to the clinic to see what opportunities were available to some day attend the UofA on sports scholarship. According to scholarshipstats.com, the national average volleyball sports scholarships awarded each year is about 13 per team. That’s an average of $31,000 per sports scholarship per team! Coached by our very own, DR J! Dr J explained that at TIA, it’s very important that kids stay motivated to do well in their academics, not just pass and finish, but excel. The research shows that sports are the number one way to help TIA students do this, as a fit and disciplined body helps build a more focused mind. “If kids can be motivated to do their best, if they can be motivated to discipline themselves and be fit physically, then they will be mentally fit.” Dr. J went on to share her high school experience playing varsity volleyball, “I’m short, I’m not your typical volleyball person, but I found my niche and served well.” Now Dr J coaches girls’ volleyball and shared how all TIA coaches went through extensive coaching training to be the best coaches they can be. Students learn to work together; they learn strategy and teamwork which translates to invaluable life experience. So, even if your goal is not to get a college sports scholarship, athletics plays a vital role in the heartbeat of a healthy school, and Dr J is there to see that TIA remains as vibrant as possible. Link to video on Facebook of TIA student Jocelyn sharing about the event

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