Sideout Connect makes volleyball more accessible to children, regardless of their financial circumstances or individual needs.
Founded by University High School junior Katherine Xie and members of the school’s girls volleyball team, the student-led initiative creates inclusive opportunities for young athletes to learn and play.
Since launching in November 2025, Sideout Connect has coached more than 300 children ages 5 to 17 through free, twice-monthly sessions. The organization holds practices at community parks and elementary and middle schools, welcoming families from nearby cities, including Anaheim and Garden Grove.
After years of playing volleyball, Xie became aware of the financial and social barriers that can keep children out of sports. She began coaching younger children during her freshman year and saw a way to turn her passion for volleyball into a broader community effort.
“I know friends who have to work at home to support their families. Obviously, they don’t have this extra money to be able to spend on things as expensive as club sports. Also, racial minorities aren’t as welcome into specific sports,” Xie said. “So I recognize these through my process of playing, and that’s how Sideout Connect was created.”
Sideout Connect also adapts its coaching to support neurodivergent children. Participants receive individualized instruction, and volunteers use activities such as balloon exercises to make learning volleyball more engaging. The sessions help children build athletic skills and connect with peers in a welcoming environment.
Xie hopes to establish branches in other cities and secure additional funding to expand the initiative’s resources. Students interested in volunteering can sign up through Sideout Connect’s volunteer form here.
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