Volleyball team finds way to give back

Champion sports teams are typically comprised of a group of highly motivated individuals coached by knowledgeable, effective leaders who gel together for a common goal. This chemistry is rare and often includes both overt and subtle values that can result in not only winning state titles, but in the development of good character and being able to see the "big picture" in life.

Such was the reason behind coaches Rod Jones and Brad Bulloch helping arrange a trip for the Outlaws varsity volleyball team to visit Doernbecher Children's Hospital in Portland the day before the 4A State Championships.

The players and coaches arrived for a two-hour visit on November 3, where they got to interact with some young patients. The team had collected a few hundred dollars worth of toys and games to donate to the hospital and had the privilege of being able to individually deliver blankets, games, team T-shirts, stuffed animals, puzzles, and art supplies.

"The generosity of the girls and their parents was amazing and actually quite touching," said Bulloch.

The genesis of the idea of going to Doernbecher actually dates back to when Bulloch was the head volleyball coach for the Outlaws.

"I have always thought that we owed it to our athletes, who are young, healthy and relatively privileged, to gain perspective by visiting a place like Doernbecher where children are facing health challenges that are potentially life-ending," he said.

The team received the idea of reviving the Doernbecher tradition with enthusiasm.

"I asked Jessie Brigham and Ashlynn Cantwell what they thought, and that got the fire started," said Bulloch.

So the plan was set to head to Portland on the day before the start of the 4A volleyball tournament in Forest Grove, and spend some time at the hospital.

Because it was flu season, the team was restricted regarding where they could go, but they did get to spend time on a floor greeting patients in their rooms or as they prepared for admission.

"We saw patients as young as three months and up to about age 10, along with a number of parents," said Bulloch.

Freshman Samantha Silva said, "I think it's important for athletes to do services like this because it changes your outlook on life, and it brings the team closer. It was an unbelievable experience for me and changed my life."

For sophomore Sydney Head, the visit had career implications.

"This visit was cool for me. I have been wanting to work in the medical field, so it was good to see what goes on at Doernbecher. I also loved seeing the faces of the children light up."

Kendra Sitz, another sophomore, also appreciated the visit and enjoyed the reaction of the patients. In addition, she said, "Doing things like this is good for us and also spreads a good reputation for Sisters High School."

Bulloch felt pleased that the girls got to serve, and believes that the tradition of giving back will continue in the future, and his sentiments were echoed by senior Emma Houck:

"It's important for high school athletes to do service to remind them not to be selfish or take what we have for granted. Not everyone can play sports and get to represent their school, so we as athletes can take some pride in that."