Vivian recalls how proud she was during her 12U club season when she learned how to overhand serve. At the young age of two Vivian was diagnosed with third degree heart block, and it was unknown at the time what her physical limitations would be. However, after two heart surgeries to insert, replace and maintain her pacemaker, she persevered. Today, as a junior in high school, between school, club, and beach seasons, not only is she competing in volleyball year-round, she’s leading and inspiring others around her to lead a healthy life.

Vivian has grown up living with heart block and a pacemaker and she understands the importance of living a heart healthy lifestyle. She has used her experience as a pediatric heart patient as a motivator to give back and promote heart health through her involvement with The Whitney Young American Heart Association Club at her school.  As the Vice President of the Club, she helps organize the Heart Walk in Chicago, and other events in her area to support cardiac patients of all types and ages. She even had the special opportunity to participate in the Heart Walk as a heart survivor.

In addition, Vivian is a Cardiac Survivor Ambassador and engages with the Hands for Hospitals Club. The club puts together little care packages and positive hand written notes to individuals who are hospitalized. The idea is to provide a bit of positivity and support to those patients who may need it during a long and stressful hospital stay. Starting at the age of two, Vivian has participated in the annual Cardiac Survivor Day at the hospital where she is treated. Each year, pacemaker recipients come together with their families to celebrate, share their stories, and be a support system to one another.  As she’s gotten older, Vivian began volunteering to speak at the event to share her story.

“I like to share my story as an athlete and how I have not let me pacemaker define who I am. I have had to undergo surgery once during my volleyball career. At age 15, I had to sit out of my club season for four months as I recovered from surgery and did not feel my best before or after the surgery for quite awhile,” shared Vivian.

Although she wasn’t on the court, it was so important for her recovery for her to feel a connection to her team and she wanted her team to know she was supporting them even when she  could not play. One week after surgery, Vivian was at her team’s tournament supporting them and volunteering to take the stats for the game.

“It was a lesson of resilience to get back on the court once I was released to play. I never thought I would be as strong as I was before the surgery yet I have proven to myself I am stronger than ever,” stated Vivian.

She plans to share that story at the Survivor Day this September and hopes to give hope to the younger kids who are newer to the pacemaker journey.

Since September 2023, Vivian has held the position of Executive Board Events Coordinator for her school’s Healthy Minds Club, tasked with organizing events to raise awareness about mental health. Healthy Minds promotes and recognizes the importance of mental health. As Events Coordinator, Vivian helps shape the activities that the club will lead. As club members, Vivian and her classmates aim to lead activities that range from bringing the school community together through organized games, to coming together to write positive messages and displaying them on our bridge walkway for everyone to see and be reminded of positive affirmations.

“Volleyball has been a platform for me to lead and make a difference. I have learned so much from my teammates throughout the years and I believe they have learned from me as well. We have taught each other courage, confidence, resilience, trust, and the ability to get back up when we feel knocked down,” said Vivian.

Like many student athletes juggling busy schedules, Vivian has had to work through many occasions when she has felt emotionally or mentally challenged. When she is on the court, she utilizes breathing exercises to help decrease any anxiety she may be feeling. She frequently relies on her friends, coaches, and her mom to talk through some of the challenges she faces.  “Whether it is a challenge at school, with friends, or with the sport, I find that leaning on others to talk to and get advice is most helpful.”

Vivian aspires to not only play collegiate volleyball, but also to follow in her mom’s footsteps and become a nurse, specifically a Nurse Practitioner and perhaps specialize in cardiology so she can take care of children and young adults just like her.  Vivian’s mom is her role model and her biggest fan in the stands, and she feels she would not be who she is as an athlete without her support. She also looks up to her club coach as a mentor.

“Coach Delaney has supported me emotionally and physically and is really my mentor. She puts the extra time in with me on the court and is also always offering me the best of advice when it comes to the softer skills of the sport. She is always reminding me what “exceptional” looks like on and off the court and I work hard to aspire to be just that.” 

We look forward to following Vivian’s exceptional journey as a student athlete and positive leader.

Vivian was awarded the 2024 JVA Athleader Award after being nominated by her Club Director at Chicago Elite Volleyball. Chicago Elite Volleyball (Chicago, IL) is a member of the Junior Volleyball Association, a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the junior volleyball experience for players, coaches, clubs and fans.

To learn more about the JVA Athleader Award click HERE. For related reading for junior volleyball athletes, click HERE.