What It Takes to Play Volleyball on the Navajo Nation | Ep. 25

Three hours of driving. One way. Just to attend volleyball practice.

That's the reality for some young volleyball players on the Navajo Nation.

Coach Chijo visits Kayenta, Arizona, to sit down with Andrea Ashkie, director of Velocity Volleyball Club, to learn what it takes to create volleyball opportunities in a community where distance, expenses, and limited facilities present enormous challenges.

Andrea shares how she went from playing volleyball on the reservation to competing at the collegiate level before returning to her community to coach and build a club program.

With coaches volunteering much of their time, families traveling hours for tournaments, and gym space difficult to secure, keeping volleyball accessible requires extraordinary commitment.

Coach Chijo and Andrea also discuss the personal sacrifices of coaching, balancing volleyball with family, and the importance of giving back.

It's a conversation about community, opportunity, and why volleyball is so much more than winning games.

Guest: Andrea Ashkie, Director of Velocity Volleyball Club

Learn more: https://www.velocityazvolleyball.org/

Follow Coach Chijo for more volleyball stories and conversations.

#Volleyball #CoachChijo #NavajoNation #VolleyballPodcast #YouthVolleyball #JustGo