CONFIDENCE. COMMUNITY. CULTURE.
The Athletes of Color Alliance (AOCA) is a leadership and community initiative within JVA dedicated to supporting athletes of color and the allies who stand alongside them.
AOCA exists to foster connection, professional development, and belonging across the JVA community. Through intentional programming, education, and collaboration, AOCA helps create environments where athletes of color feel seen, supported, and celebrated throughout their volleyball journey.
AOCA works to strengthen club volleyball by:
• Supporting the well-being and leadership development of athletes of color
• Providing education and resources for coaches and club directors
• Encouraging inclusive team culture and athlete-centered environments
• Expanding representation across all levels of junior volleyball
AOCA MISSION
JVA is committed to championing equity and fostering an environment where all members of the volleyball community are safe, valued, supported, and celebrated.
Athletes Of Color Alliance (AOCA) is a community within the Junior Volleyball Association’s Social Justice Taskforce, that uplifts, empowers, and celebrates athletes of color and allies, through connection, visibility, mentorship, and innovative outreach.
SUPPORTING CLUBS AND COACHES
AOCA partners with club directors, administrators, and coaching staff to help build sustainable, inclusive programs. By offering tools, conversations, and community-based initiatives, AOCA contributes to a stronger, more unified volleyball ecosystem. As the sport continues to grow, AOCA ensures that inclusion, representation, and athlete care remain central to that growth.
AOCA FRAMEWORK
The Athletes of Color Alliance (AOCA) is grounded in clear, actionable focus areas designed to strengthen club culture, support athlete development, and improve long-term retention within junior volleyball.
Our programming is built around foundational themes that elevate the experience for athletes of color and strengthen teams as a whole.
Culture Alignment
We help clubs align their values with daily behaviors, team standards, and leadership practices. Strong culture is intentional, measurable, and reinforced from the top down.
Inclusive Coaching Practices
AOCA provides education and resources that support coaches in building environments where all athletes feel respected, challenged, and valued. Inclusive coaching improves communication, trust, and team performance.
Athlete Identity
We create space for athletes to develop confidence in who they are both on and off the court. When athletes feel secure in their identity, they compete more freely and lead more effectively.
Athlete Well-Being
Performance and well-being go hand in hand. AOCA prioritizes mental, emotional, and social support systems that contribute to healthy, sustainable athlete development.
SOCIAL JUSTICE TASK FORCE
To foster a community of inclusion and belonging that supports and celebrates our full range of identities in the junior volleyball community.
Join the task force and help with AOCA!
