For Desmond Brooks, volleyball is much more than a sport. It is a platform for leadership, personal growth, mentorship and creating opportunities for others.

The 2026 JVA AthLeader Award winner and 2028 setter for Lakas Volleyball Club has embraced those opportunities both on and off the court. A student-athlete, community leader, coach and advocate, Desmond has developed a philosophy centered on using his time and talents to make a difference in the lives of others.

His journey into volleyball, however, was somewhat unexpected.

Growing up, basketball was Desmond’s primary passion. He devoted countless hours to the sport and never imagined volleyball would become such an important part of his life. That changed in middle school when his physical education teachers noticed his natural ability and encouraged him to try out for the school team.

Desmond wasn’t initially convinced.

His mother, however, encouraged him to give it a shot, and Desmond credits that decision with changing the direction of his athletic career.

He not only made the team but earned a starting spot on the varsity team as a sixth grader alongside primarily eighth-grade players. The team went undefeated during the regular season and advanced to the championship, providing an early indication that Desmond had found another sport in which he could thrive.

From there, volleyball became much more than another activity. It became an opportunity to learn, lead and eventually help others discover the game themselves.

Leading With a Purpose

Desmond’s leadership extends well beyond his role as a setter.

As an ASB Athletics Commissioner, he sought to create an environment where student-athletes felt recognized and appreciated for the work and commitment required to compete. He wanted to showcase the talent within his school and help student-athletes feel seen by their community.

His leadership also flourished through the Ethnic Studies and Social Justice Academy, where students shared a common goal of bringing people together and celebrating individuality. Desmond helped lead events including an annual poetry slam and the “Take Back the Mic” event, creating opportunities for students to express themselves through art and creativity.

Through those experiences, he discovered that effective leadership isn’t simply about holding a title.

“I think that networking and communication is a huge part of being a leader,” Desmond said. “Putting those events together showed me how to build connections with people and create new friendships with people I didn’t think I’d become close with.”

That mindset has carried into nearly every aspect of his life.

Turning Passion Into Service

Desmond’s commitment to serving others led him to create ROOTS, an organization founded with the goal of bringing people together to address social challenges within the community.

The idea came from Desmond’s realization that many students may not recognize the challenges faced by people in underserved communities. Rather than simply observing those issues, he wanted to learn more, educate others and take action.

One of ROOTS’ early initiatives was a coat drive conducted in collaboration with Moreau Catholic High School. The effort resulted in more than 1,000 pieces of clothing being donated to people in need.

For Desmond, service is rooted in both action and perspective.

His involvement with the St. Anthony’s Food Kitchen in San Francisco was particularly impactful. Serving unhoused, elderly and disabled members of the community gave him a deeper understanding of the challenges others face and encouraged him to continue giving his time to those who need it most.

“Getting involved with different communities has always been an eye-opener and has kept me grounded,” Desmond said. “It has kept me humble and honest.”

That humility is a common thread throughout Desmond’s approach to leadership. He doesn’t view service as something that earns recognition. Instead, it is something he believes he has a responsibility to do.

Building Confidence Through Volleyball

Desmond has also discovered that volleyball itself can be a powerful vehicle for making a difference.

In addition to playing, he coaches younger athletes and has seen firsthand how learning the sport can change a young player’s confidence.

Many of the athletes he works with initially know little about volleyball. But as they learn the rules, develop their skills and begin to understand the game, Desmond sees something even more important emerge: confidence.

“After spending time with them and helping them understand volleyball, they find enjoyment and you witness the confidence they start to build, on and off the court,” he said.

For Desmond, that is one of the most rewarding aspects of the sport. Volleyball gave him an unexpected opportunity when he was younger, and now he is helping create that same sense of possibility for others.

A Student-Athlete With Perspective

Despite his many commitments, Desmond has also learned the importance of balance.

When he’s not competing, coaching, volunteering or leading at school, he enjoys reading, often visiting the library with his sister to find something new to read.

When challenges arise, he relies on mentors, close friends and journaling to process what he’s experiencing rather than allowing difficult emotions to build up.

His parents and coaches have been among his greatest role models, teaching him discipline, perseverance and the value of working through adversity.

“You need to experience failure in order to appreciate success,” Desmond said.

That perspective reflects the maturity that has made him stand out as an AthLeader. He understands that success isn’t defined simply by accomplishments or awards. It is also about how someone responds to challenges, treats others and uses the opportunities they have been given.

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Making a Difference

Desmond is proud of his Filipino-American heritage and remains deeply connected to his culture and community. Whether he is competing on the volleyball court, coaching younger athletes, leading students, organizing service projects or simply supporting the people around him, his goal remains consistent.

He wants to make a difference.

“My goal is to make a difference in as many lives as I can,” Desmond said.

That simple statement captures the spirit of the JVA AthLeader Award. Desmond has demonstrated that being an exceptional student-athlete isn’t only about what happens during competition. It is about recognizing the influence an athlete can have beyond the lines of the court and choosing to use that influence to lift others.

Through his leadership, service, academic commitment and passion for volleyball, Desmond Brooks is already making an impact. And if his first chapters are any indication, there is much more to come.

Desmond Brooks was awarded the 2026 JVA Athleader Award after being nominated by Lakas Volleyball Club (San Fransisco, CA), a member of the Junior Volleyball Association, 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.