JVA is a proud supporter of the Side-Out Foundation for over a decade, and through the JVA World Challenge, held APRIL 11-13, 2026, JVA raised $17,650 that will be donated directly to help save lives. The midseason championship brings girls’ volleyball teams from across the country together not only to compete on the court, but also to raise funds for the Side-Out Foundation to support research for patients with metastatic breast cancer, the most advanced form of the disease and the least funded area of research.
Every $2,000 raised through Dig Pink allows Side-Out to provide metastatic breast cancer patients and their oncologists with an unprecedented analysis that ranks treatment options and clinical trials for each individual patient. This analysis can significantly improve both the length and quality of patients’ lives.
“JVA is incredibly grateful for the support of the athletes, families, Coaches, officials, event staff, and donors who rallied behind this year’s campaign,” said JVA Executive Director Lisa Wielebnicki. “One of the greatest strengths of our sport is the power of the volleyball community to unite around a common purpose. By using our platform to support a cause larger than the game itself, we can help raise awareness, fund critical research, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families affected by metastatic breast cancer. We are proud to continue our partnership with the Side-Out Foundation and the impact we can create together.”
Through JVA’s partnership with the Side-Out Foundation, the volleyball community has helped raise awareness and funding to support the organization’s mission of advocating for metastatic breast cancer patients and advancing life-saving research.
“The Side-Out Foundation is deeply moved by the heart and generosity of the entire JVA community, from the athletes and families on the court to everyone who donated online, because of you, metastatic breast cancer patients have greater hope, better treatment options, and more time with the people they love. From the bottom of our hearts, Thank You!,” said Ellen Dempsey, Founder and Executive Director of the Side-Out Foundation.
JVA also thanks Kendra Scott for contributing a portion of event sales to support the Side-Out Foundation, and N&D Sports for supplying the limited-edition shirts, which quickly sold out, and making them available for purchase online.
About the Side-Out Foundation
The Side-Out Foundation is a nonprofit organization based in Fairfax, Virginia, that unites the volleyball community to drive change in the way breast cancer is treated. Support through its Dig Pink® program raises money to support mBC patients NOW, while also funding ongoing, life-saving research focused on late-stage metastatic breast cancer. Supported by all facets of the volleyball community, Side-Out has raised more than $16 million for research on the disease. Volleyball Coaches across the country use Side-Out’s Dig Pink programs as team-building experiences that reinforce the role volleyball can play beyond the court. For more information, visit side-out.org.
About Junior Volleyball Association
Junior Volleyball Association (JVA) is focused exclusively on junior volleyball and the needs of the club community. Since 2006, JVA has worked to improve the junior volleyball experience by supporting a growing network of nearly 1,800 member clubs while continuing its mission to ‘Better the Ball’ at every level. Built by Club Directors for Club Directors, JVA provides resources, events, education, and advocacy to help the sport grow in the right direction. Known for a more innovative and forward-thinking approach than traditional governing bodies, JVA continues to push the game forward by introducing new ideas, elevating the event experience, and creating opportunities that reflect where the sport is going, not where it’s been. Learn more at www.jvavolleyball.org or follow @jvavolleyball on all social media platforms.
