Lights Out Volleyball Provides Communities with Access to Opportunity, Education, and Purpose Through Volleyball

Lights Out Volleyball (LOV) was born in 2019 from a simple yet powerful vision from founder Harshil Thaker, to use the sport of volleyball as a force for connection, equality and raising human consciousness. What began as a dream has evolved into a movement that transcends the court, providing athletes and communities with access to opportunity, education, and purpose through volleyball. Beyond its elite-level training and authentic mentorship, LOV breaks barriers and drives social impact by empowering athletes to rise beyond limitations and lead with energy, empathy and love. Rooted in integrity and equality, Lights Out Volleyball unites athletes through purpose and proves that the power of connection can change lives on and off the court.

The non-profit 501(c)3 foundation of Lights Out Volleyball was created in Chicago with elite local training sessions and community-based clinics and camps focused on mentorship, fundamentals, and character development. LOV launched its official Next Level Program in 2022, giving athletes structured training and exposure to professional coaching where Harshil’s energy and “choosing love over ego” became the DNA of the program. Even amid the challenges of the pandemic, LOV transformed into a network of impact zones bringing access to youth who need it most across the U.S.

The LOV X NEXT LEVEL Program offers young athletes a unique and rare opportunity to access world-class coaching, authentic mentorship, and an energetic community that believes in their potential. Middle school, high school and college players train with current and former professional athletes who have competed at the highest levels across the globe. These coaches bring firsthand professional experience and lessons they have lived including the discipline, resilience and mindset of the game at its highest level. The athletes don’t just learn the fundamentals, they learn how to think for themselves, lead and rise.

The program focuses on:

• Unmatched Technical Training: Advanced hitting, setting, defense, serving, blocking, and positional strategies delivered by world-class coaches.
• Holistic Athlete Growth: Leadership, communication, and mental resilience built alongside physical skill development.
• Professional Mentorship: Direct guidance from coaches who have lived the journey from youth athlete to pro, offering insight, humility and inspiration.

LOV ensures opportunity is never limited by circumstance. Each year, LOV provides needs-based scholarships to make programs accessible to athletes of all backgrounds. Families and athletes apply directly through the LOV website through a transparent and inclusive process:

1. Online Application: Athletes share their background, athletic experience, and motivation for joining LOV.
2. Evaluation: Virtual or in-person conversations explore goals, commitment and alignment with LOV’s mission.
3. Selection: Chosen athletes are selected for their potential, leadership, teamwork, and service, not just their performance.
4. Commitment & Orientation: Accepted athletes receive full program details and mentorship to begin their journey.

• Fundraisers & Donations: Each year, LOV launches targeted campaigns that directly support programming, scholarships, educational resources, construction materials and more for their initiatives around the world.
• Athlete-Led Fundraising: The athletes and families play an active role in fundraising, taking ownership of the mission by helping fuel the programs that shaped their growth, connection and purpose.
• Domestic Program Fees: A significant portion of revenue from the Next Level program, which offers advanced training and college-prep development in the U.S., helps offset the costs of global outreach, scholarships and community projects.
• Future Goals: LOV is actively seeking corporate sponsorships and grant partnerships to help stabilize and scale their impact. These collaborations will enable LOV to expand programming, increase scholarships, and invest in long-term infrastructure for the communities they serve.

LOV also began to expand nationally, hosting skill camps and clinics led by current and former professional athletes and collegiate coaches, offering athletes an unmatched level of experience and guidance. In 2025, the mission went global with a major initiative in Zamp, Gujarat, India, where the team is rebuilding schools, constructing new outdoor volleyball courts, installing clean water systems, and providing meals and mentoring thousands of students. LOV continues to grow through outreach across the U.S., Puerto Rico and India, while strengthening domestic impacts through free community clinics, mentorship programs, and youth education.

Lights Out Volleyball is led by a passionate team of professionals:

• Harshil Thaker (Founder & CEO) – 4x USAV Adult National Champion and professional athlete, visionary leader dedicated to building long-term impact and generational wealth both through sport, while awakening the power of every human being
• Jada Stackhouse (COO) – Professional athlete, dynamic leader and connector who oversees operations, athlete experience, and community engagement, ensuring athletes feel supported and inspired to reach their potential
• Kristine Miechowicki (COO, Leader of Development) – Senior finance executive focused on expanding LOV’s reach and elevating awareness of its mission, passionate about connecting partners, communities and stories
• Gustavo Esquivel (Director of Finance) – Longest tenured LOV team member, oversees financial operations and organizational management.
• Ramon Matos (Leader of Player Development) – Professional athlete, LOV coach and mentor dedicated to shaping the next generation of leaders on and off the court
• Miranda McNeal (Director of Programming) – Leads scheduling, event coordination, and communication efforts that helps bring the LOV mission to life