Today we’d like to introduce you to Quanesha Speed-Smalls.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Quanesha. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’ve been coaching for about 13 years. In 2011 I began coaching club volleyball, it went from making a little extra money to falling in love with the sport all over again. In 2019, God told me I would start my own club and I laughed. Then He basically pushed me out there and made the path straight for me. I knew this was all him! I never wanted to own my own club, but he had something greater for me. And here we are!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I would lie if I said it was easy, but God has given me so much favor. As soon as I start stressing, he sends someone my way to help me. I would say one of the biggest hurdles is finding funding for the players who can’t afford fees. Another struggle would be, being a black-owned volleyball club in general. There are little resources and support for minority owned volleyball clubs, and our region is dominated by people who don’t look like “us”. I’ve also learned, you can’t help everybody and sometimes you just have to say no! (this was a HARD lesson)
We’d love to hear more about Texas Allstars Volleyball Club.
Texas Allstars Volleyball Club is my baby! I have a few other businesses, but this one is near and dear to my heart. The fulfillment of having a meeting in my living room with my board, putting ideas on paper and then watching them manifest has just blown me away! On top of that, I have been able to see young women walk into the gym, timid, shy, and afraid to touch a ball. Then boom, by the end of the season, they are volleyball beasts. For their parents to post videos of them or send you text messages thanking you for your work, it warms my heart. On top of that, my own daughter plays and I have been able to watch her grow right before my eyes.
We specialize in training young girls 8-18 years old. We are known for making club volleyball affordable and also getting to know each and every player. We know their names, their parent’s names, we attend church services, graduation parties, and yes, I have even attended a baptism. We are all in and invested in not just their athletic ability. They are more than just a number in our program. This is a family!
As a company, I am proud of the growth, my staff, my parents and the community support. We have had people all the way in Florida donate to us just because they have never seen an all-black team competing and playing “good volleyball.”
Mostly importantly, I keep God first and surround myself with like minded individuals. I would be a fool to think that I would be successful by myself. God has allowed this to happen, and HE is the one who will keep me in business and put the right people in my life.
What were you like growing up?
haaaaaaa!!!! Maybe you should ask my mom!! Growing up, I was smart, but I talked ALOT!!! I always had an opinion and I was never wrong (in my head)!! But, I’m a natural born leader! I started assuming leadership positions very early, and I have learned how and when to lead, and also how to follow. I would sometimes stay up countless hours at night just dreaming. My childhood diary was full of dreams because I always knew there was more out there. I am the oldest and the only girl, so my mom made me VERY independent. I was cooking dinner at the age of 11. I wouldn’t let my teenager cook in my kitchen now! lol
I always had a love for sports. My mom played sports even as an adult, so that was common for me. Most of my life we lived in apartments, so being outside and staying active was an everyday thing. Unfortunately, because my mom didn’t make much money, I was never able to run summer track or play club volleyball like some of my teammates. This is one of the reasons why I have such a compassion for what I do.
Pricing:
- Our prices start at $1000 for the season, and all information can be found on our website.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.txallstarsvbc.com
- Phone: 682-323-6098
- Email: info@txallstarsvbc.com
- Instagram: @txallstarsvbc
- Facebook: Texas All Stars Volleyball Club
Image Credit:
@tmariephotography
@jenalimages
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