This year DeMarcus Lewis formed Lexington High Risers to make a change in the Lexington, Kentucky community. As a Personal Trainer and Sports Conditioning Coach he’s had the opportunity to train athletes from all sports, including a very diverse clientele. As the sport of volleyball has grown over the past few years, his clientele has naturally seen an increase in the number of volleyball athletes. However, across the country, and especially in the state of Kentucky, the participants in the sport are predominantly white. After recognizing the need for more opportunities for minorities in Lexington to train and compete in volleyball and see African American representation not only in a coaching role, but in a club leadership role as well, he decided to form a volleyball club.
Lexington High Risers’ mission is to “level the playing field so that every child regardless of circumstance gets to win the benefits of playing volleyball. Factors such as socioeconomic level, race or gender should never exclude anyone from getting the opportunity to experience playing volleyball let alone any team sport.”
After forming his club in August 2023, DeMarcus recognized that with his background and being a new club among some more established clubs in his area, he needed some guidance in order to grow his club and be competitive in his area. Through the JVA Mentor Program, he was matched with JVA Mentor Bernie Headley, Director of 360 Sports Academy, and Chair of the JVA Social Justice Task Force.
“When I received the email about JVA Mentor program. I jumped right on it. To my surprise I was teamed up with Bernie. After meeting Bernie and hearing about his story it came to me that this was the perfect Mentor, and now he has become a great friend,” said DeMarcus.
A few months into the Mentorship, the two have been using weekly phone calls to discuss the hurdles of starting a new club in an area with larger, more established clubs. In this first year, Lexington High Risers has three girls teams at 14U, 15-16U and 16U. Bernie has been able to offer solutions for Lexington High Risers to differentiate itself from the other clubs and focus on their mission as a small club rather than trying to do everything or be like the larger clubs.
“Because we both have similar purposes when sharing with our communities the excitement the sport of volleyball brings, it helped me avoid mistakes early on. Bernie also helped me to stay focused despite the obstacles that occur as a minority in an unfamiliar territory,” added DeMarcus.
Bernie founded 360 Sports Academy in 2011 with one team comprised of girls ages 14 to 18. Today the south side of Chicago club has grown to 10 teams from 12U to 18U. He also created the HB See You Combine & Exposure Camps that are available to and designed for the often overlooked players of color in urban areas. The camps give young women athletes who did not play for a club or attend a high school with a strong volleyball program an opportunity to showcase their talent, and offers players of all colors and economic statuses a chance to compete in front of local and national D1, D2, D3, NAIA, and Junior College coaches.
When offered the opportunity to be a JVA Mentor, Bernie jumped right in. “Its my duty to pull up the next person in my community,” he stated.
He was fortunate to have a mentor in Penny Lucas-White, long time Head Women’s Volleyball Coach at Alabama State and member of the USA National Volleyball Team (1985-86).
“Penny understands the struggles of being a minority coach. So much of her helps comes in the area of navigating through the weeds of coaching. She has supported many of my camps and programs that are centered around uplifting girls in the sport of volleyball that don’t always get the opportunities. She also has guided me on my coaching journey. She gives me tools and tips on how to be a better coach and how to teach girls mental toughness. She has been my big sister in the sport,” shared Bernie.
Thanks to the opportunity to compete at Lexington High Risers Volleyball, DeMarcus’ daughters and nieces are all loving their volleyball experience. In addition to establishing some structure and competitiveness as a new club, DeMarcus is also focusing on establishing a family atmosphere and give the girls a sense of belonging. Bernie’s guidance has been helpful for him as DeMarcus navigates his first season.
The Mentorship has proven to be a valuable match on both sides.
“I’m definitely grateful for this program and would recommend to any anyone,” said DeMarcus.
View more information on the JVA Mentor Program.
Lexington High Risers Volleyball Club (Lexington, KY) is a member of the Junior Volleyball Association, an organization committed to enhancing the junior volleyball experience for club directors, coaches, players, and fans. Learn more about the JVA at jvavolleyball.org/
