Aidan started playing volleyball for his school when he was in 5th grade to see if he would like it. He knew next to nothing about the sport, and his only preconceived notions were that volleyball was a “girls’ sport.” As a multi-sport athlete, Aidan competed in basketball, baseball and track, while maintaining academic excellence. By the 7th grade, Aidan realized how much he enjoyed volleyball and joined a club team at 630 Volleyball. By his freshman year of high school, Aidan was ecstatic to learn that he made the varsity team at his high school, and realized he wanted to commit to being the best volleyball student athlete and teammate he could be.

As captain of his 15-1 team, Aidan participated in The Leadership Academy at 630 Volleyball, where the team captains participate in activities and workshops to learn how to become effective leaders on and off the court. Throughout the Leadership Academy Aidan participated in team building activities, including corporate team building strategies, games and an escape room. The Academy includes sessions with great college coaches such as John Hawks, recently named UCLA Head Men’s Volleyball Coach (previously Head Coach at Loyola University), and Mental Performance Coach, Dan Mickle.

“I do like to see myself as an informal leader. I feel my leadership shows by taking lead roles in meetings and always participating. I balance a lot of activities by making sure that I have good time management skills,” stated Aidan.
Aidan has always looked up to his father as a role model and admired his willingness to learn something new. Although he had a demanding schedule as a police officer, his dad would coach him and his two younger sisters in almost evert sport they participated in. A collegiate baseball player, Aidan’s dad never played organized volleyball. However, he learned the sport because of how much Aidan loved it. “He showed me that it is ok to learn from those younger and more experienced. I have watched him spend many hours with club and college coaches asking questions on how he can be better,” added Aidan.

Last year during his sophomore season, Aidan decided to learn something new and become certified as a Junior Official. To his surprise, the process was quite simple.

“I signed up for an evaluation at a girls club tournament, where I observed and was taught how to officiate. Once completed, I was then instructed to complete coursework in order to be certified to officiate and earn my credentials. I have always had respect for our officials. I make it a priority to shake their hands after matches. After officiating myself, I have even more respect for our officials,” said Aidan.
This year, Aidan is hoping to be able to officiate more often. The challenge is that he is involved in so many extracurriculars on top of club volleyball. Aidan became involved in The IDEA, or Illinois Design Educators Association, competition, where students can enter into many categories, including but not limited to CAD, Architectural Design, Engineering Design, and Board. Students can showcase their skills in their respective fields that pertain to engineering and design. Aidan participated in Introductory CAD, where he placed first in Regionals, and then third in State. In addition, Aidan is involved in Robotics Club, the Student Advisory Committee, Technology Student Association, band and previously he was in musical theatre.
Aside from playing volleyball, Aidan’s other passion is working on cars with my friends and family. The first time he worked on a car was with his dad to change the oil on his Police Interceptor race car.
“Even though it was my first time, I enjoyed every minute of getting my hands dirty and spending time with my dad. We worked on that car to make it race ready for weeks, where we changed numerous parts together. Come race day, I was in the pits, ready to tend to his needs. Since then, I have changed the oil on my uncle’s car alongside him, and even started a project car with my friends,” shared Aidan.
Aidan truly enjoys making a difference in others’ lives, no matter how small. Another characteristic he credits to learning from his dad.
“The amount of times I have been able to make my teammates laugh, whether with or at me (mostly at me), is almost unparalleled. I have also been able to lead by example, by working hard, which encourages my teammates to also work harder, making a difference for them. I want to be the guy that pushes everyone to be better. Volleyball has taught me that talent can only get you so far and that hard work and dedication off the court is what makes me stronger.”
Engaged in community service, Aidan has volunteered for various projects including cleaning up after a tornado, volunteering at Feed My Starving Children and Special Olympics, as well as participating in Polar Plunges for Special Olympics of Illinois. He credits his mom for instilling so many values in him such as kindness, seeing the best in people, being considerate and thoughtful.
“My mom has modeled and taught me to help those in need. When I was younger and creating art, she would always tell me not to always just focus on the object I was drawing but to focus on the negative space, or opportunity space, around it. This translates well to life in general. You cannot just focus on the task at hand but also the bigger picture. I would not be where I am today without her,” shared Aidan.
In his free time, Aidan loves to make art, whether its digital art on Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, drawing, working with clay, building remote control cars, or painting. Eventually, he wants to be a mechanical engineer and work in the field of aeronautical or automotive design. As a compassionate leader with so many inspirations, this remarkable junior is poised to inspire change and create a brighter future, one brushstroke at a time.

Aidan McIntyre was awarded the 2024 JVA Athleader Award after being nominated by his Club Director at 630Volleyball. 630 Volleyball (Chicago, IL) is a member of the Junior Volleyball Association, a non-profit organization with over 1,600 junior volleyball clubs 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.