Junior Jaylen Nuila, along with several other volleyball players from across the country, will be joining the Down Under Sports Tournaments to participate in the 20th annual volleyball invitational in Australia. The trip will begin on July 16 and will continue for ten days.

The total cost of the trip is $5,000, but through the generosity of sponsors, Jaylen has already raised $1,200 in two weeks. All those who donate to support an athlete may enter to win a trip for two to Australia or a 5-day cruise.

“I love playing volleyball and playing with other people, so it will be be a good experience. It’s very exclusive. The coach cannot go, but parents are allowed to accompany their child as long as they pay for themselves,” said Jaylen. Sixteen teams will be participating with eight athletes on each team.

The ten-day trip will also include activities such as siteseeing, visiting a wildlife sanctuary and kangaroo fields and competing in a beach volleyball tournament.

“At first I was hesitant to go, but my parents supported me. I’m grateful that they are allowing me to go on this adventure. I’m also thankful for my coach because since freshman year, she’s been pushing me and the team to try our best,” said the Becton volleyball player.

The goal of Down Under Sports is to recruit high school athletes and invite them to Australia to compete against each other every summer. Those who participate in sports such as basketball, cross-country, football and golf are recruited.

As for Jaylen’s future plans in the field of sports, she stated that she hopes to continue playing volleyball in college. “I’d love to get a scholarship,” she said.

If interested in sponsoring Jaylen, please visit the following link.