The Dynamic Volleyball Club was one of many on display at the Standing On Business Pitch Competition and Business Expo held Saturday at the Tyler Rose Garden Center. (Symone Sheppard/Tyler Morning Telegraph Freelance)

A newly launched Dynamic Volleyball Club is spiking into action, aiming to elevate Tyler’s competitive spirit and cultivate the next generation of volleyball players.

“My goal is to impact generations of young girls who aspire to be young athletes,” said Shuna Mast-Johnson, owner of the club.

According to Mast-Johnson, they are the second Black-owned volleyball club in the region.

“I want to bring something to Tyler that is more inclusive and provides elite volleyball training for girls who are students at Tyler ISD and the surrounding areas,” Mast-Johnson said.

Recognizing that not all students have equal access to resources, Mast-Johnson wanted to create a supportive environment where everyone can develop their skills and passion for the game.

“Girls on this side of town and from my community don’t always have the financial means,” she said. “Parents are working hard just to get by, and while they want to do what’s best for their children, the high costs of participation can be discouraging.”

Mast-Johnson speaks from personal experience.

“I have three daughters, two of whom love volleyball, and I’m sure my youngest will too,” she said. “However, I couldn’t afford to enroll them in clubs. My goal for Dynamic is to provide these girls with the opportunity to play and to support their families in the process.”

By focusing on enhancing participation and training for those who might otherwise miss out, the club seeks to foster a love for volleyball without economic barriers, ensuring every student has a chance to thrive both on and off the court. Using methods of fundraising and sponsorships for the club, Mast-Johnson aims to keep the cost low for the girls who want to participate.

Formed over the summer with tryouts, the club garnered more than 50 players in the club, participants range from 5th grade all the way up to sophomores in high school.

“I want to be able to provide this service to girls that are in the 4th and 5th grade and help develop them so when they do get to high school, they’ll be ready to compete,” Mast-Johnson said. “They’ll be ready to show up to tryouts and stand out.”

Four years in the making, the Dynamic Volleyball Club has been Mast-Johnson’s dream.

“I still can’t believe we finally made it happen,” she said. “I’ve been scared of failure. I’m a mom and I work … I just don’t have the time. How was I going to make it work?”

It wasn’t until her daughter was devastated that she didn’t make the volleyball team that Mast-Johnson took it as the motivation she needed.

“She loves the sport and her friends play … she wanted to be a part of it, she wanted to be a player,” Mast-Johnson said. “And… things happen for a reason. This was the year that God kind of led the way.”

The Dynamic Volleyball Club is governed by USA Volleyball and is designed as a competitive program, not a recreational club or an extension of Tyler ISD.

A social worker by trade, Mast-Johnson is a big believer in looking around and seeing how she can be of service to others.

“I want them to know that they can achieve whatever they set their minds to, including going to college,” Mast-Johnson said. “They don’t even have to play volleyball in college, but if they want to, I’m here to help them reach that goal. Volleyball has profoundly impacted my life, and I love the sport.”

As a product of the volleyball program in Tyler ISD herself, Mast-Johnson knows the love of the game.

“Volleyball has brought so many wonderful people into my life, my daughter’s life, and my family’s life — people I truly hope will be here forever,” she said. “They’ve shown me what loyalty and friendship mean. Because volleyball has given me this, I want to share that experience with these girls.”

Vanille McCowin, an eighth grader at Boulter, says she can’t wait to play.

“I’m excited about the practices and that we’re going to learn about different techniques and skills we can pick up,” she said. “I’m looking forward to making more friends. I like that there’s diversity and making sure that it includes everybody.”

As a mother, former volleyball player, and owner of the club, Mast-Johnson is dedicated to ensuring that her players have the best possible experience and opportunities.

“Whatever they want to go out and do, they can do it and I’m here to help them,” she said. “We won’t be able to win every time but ultimately it’s not about winning or losing; it’s about showing up, being loyal to the club, taking responsibility and giving it your all.”

For more information on how you can support, visit their Facebook page, www.facebook.com/dynamic.vbc.2024.