A MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTORS

When LAVA was started, it was done with one key principle in mind: Aloha. Aloha is commonly used as both greeting and farewell in Hawaii, but the spirit of aloha goes beyond simple salutations. By breaking it down into parts, the word aloha is a combination of three different root words. “Alo”, meaning “sharing”, “oha”, meaning “joy”, and “ha”, meaning “life energy.” So the word Aloha from a meaning perspective can translate to “joyfully sharing life.”

Who we are and what shapes our identity is due to a variety of dimensions. Background, social identities, personal interests, and countless other factors impact how each of us experience this world. The same is certainly true with how our volleyball experience goes too. We know recognizing the complexities of these dimensions is essential in affirming everyone in our community. We value the diversity that enriches the Aloha Way and strive to create a sense of belonging for all who are part of our LAVA community.

With that in mind, we felt now is a time to change our name to best reflect our values and further incorporate diversity, inclusion, and belonging into our community. While Lady Aces will certainly always be a part of us and we will forever be LAVA, going forward LAVA will stand LIVING ALOHA VOLLEYBALL ACADEMY. Living aloha is a way of life, embracing the aloha spirit in everything you do.

We live, we love, we appreciate, we give, and we play with our whole hearts and selves. Always with respect for others and ourselves.