OUR TEAM

Bottom Row: Ashley Cheyenne, Carolina Duran, Emely Roasario, Arlenny Rodriguez, Mariella Robles, Rosio Taverez 

Top Row: Coach Chelsie Blackburn, Edely Herrera, Ambar Ramirez, Naomy Reyes, Genesis Rodriguez, Micah Trautwein, Ileana Pena, Erika Cruz, Coach Mabelis Acevedo, Head Coach Jessica Gates

PLAYERS

Carolina Duran

About me...I am 14 years old, a sophomore in the local public high school, I am studying English with the Varsity team!

Interests, apart from volleyball include...listening to music!

In the future, I would like to...be a business manager.

While in the USA, I am most excited about...living with an American family

I would like for you to pray for my...family, that we will become more unified.

Ileana Maria Peña Plasencia- Team Captain

About me...I am 16 years old, a junior in the local private Christian high school, fluent and study in English!              

Interests, apart from volleyball include...baking, watching movies, talking with my grandpa!

In the future, I would like to...Go to College and own a baking business!

While in the USA, I am most excited about...going to Tennessee and staying at Chelsie’s grandparent’s lake house!

I would like for you to pray for...a better relationship with my brother.

Erika Cruz Ramos

About me...I am 15 years old, a junior at a local private high school, fluent in English!

Interests, apart from volleyball include...baking and watching MLB games.

In the future, I would like to...Graduate and study at a University.

While in the USA, I am most excited about...meeting new people, playing in a big volleyball tournament and flying for the first time!

I would like for you to pray for my...family.

Ashley Cheyenne Herrera

About me...I am 16 years old, a senior at a local public high school, learning English with the Varsity team!

Interests, apart from volleyball include...listening to music!

In the future, I would like to...Study and get a job.

While in the USA, I am most excited about...getting to know a different country, meeting Americans and getting to know more about them.

I would like for you to pray for...the problems that are going on in my family.

Edelyn Hernández Payano

About me...I am 17 years old, a senior at a local public high school, I am learning English with the Varsity team!

Interests, apart from volleyball include...taking pictures and hanging out with my cousins!

In the future, I would like to...finish high school and graduate college one day, serve others.

While in the USA, I am most excited about...getting to know the country better, meeting and spending time with new people.

I would like for you to pray for...our trip! That when we go, we will be able to help and serve other people, that we will raise the money we need to be able to go!

Micah Trautwein- Team Captain

About me...I am 17 years old, studying online, an American living as Missionary with my family in the Dominican Republic, working with Kid’s Alive.

Interests, apart from volleyball include...reading and working with kids.

In the future, I would like to...go to college and study to become a pediatrician.

While in the USA, I hope we...grow in unity as a team through new experiences.

I would like for you to pray...that I would not be anxious as I balance school, work and volleyball. That I would trust God with my circumstances.

Noamy Reyes

About me...I am 16 years old, a junior at the local private Christian high school, fluent in English!

Interests, apart from volleyball include...reading and singing!

In the future, I would like to...go to college and study forensics. I would like to sing and further in my volleyball career!

While in the USA, I am most excited about...getting to know another culture better, living with another family.

I would like for you to pray for...my family as we have many struggles right now. I have also been going through tough times of being happy and satisfied with myself. That I won’t be nervous and scared thinking about starting college.

Genesis Rodriguez

About me...I am 16 years old, a junior in the local private Christian high school, fluent in English!

Interests, apart from volleyball include...dancing!

In the future, I would like to...go to college and study to become a doctor!

While in the USA, I am most excited about...getting to know people from another culture.

I would like for you to pray for...my mom’s health, that our team will get the money to go to the states!

Emely Rosario

About me...I am 16 years old, a junior at a local public school, learning English with the team!

Interests...volleyball!

In the future, I would like to...finish school and  become a better volleyball player.

While in the USA, I am most excited about...seeing my brother and meeting new people.

I would like for you to pray for...for my mother and brother; and that I can raise the money to go on the trip.

Ambar Elizabeth Grullón Ramirez

About me...I am 17 years old, a senior at a local private high school, learning English with the volleyball team!

Interests, apart from volleyball include...listening to music, playing “thinking games”, spending time with my cousins and sister.

In the future, I would like to...be an accountant and have my own house and car.

While in the USA, I am most excited about...learning about the USA, learning new things, and playing volleyball in another country.

I would like for you to pray that... I can achieve my goals and dreams for my family.

Arlenny Rodriguez

About me...I am 15 years old, a junior in a local public high school, learning English with the volleyball team!

Interests...volleyball!

In the future, I would like to...be a professional volleyball player!

While in the USA, I am most excited about...flying/traveling for the first time, getting to know another country.

I would like for you to pray for...my family and friends.

Mariela Robles

About me...I am 16 years old, a senior in a local public high school, learning English with the volleyball team!

Interests...volleyball!

In the future, I would like to...go to College and get a job as a professional.

I am most excited about the trip because...I get to experience new things!

I would like for you to pray that...I will be able to achieve my goals and that while on the trip I can learn new things.

COACHES

Jessica Paez:  “Coach Jess” has been serving as varsity head coach in the Dominican Republic in volleyball ministry over 5 years.  She had the opportunity to take the girls to the Midwest in July of 2012. 

Chelsie Blackburn: As the VC Revolution program expanded, Chelsie joined the SI staff at just the right time.  Chelsie has now been on staff for about 2 years and coaches the JV team, some of the elementary teams as well is the assistant coach for Varsity.

Mabelis Acevedo: Mabelis was one of the original varsity members who started playing in 2009.  Mabelis was voted captain every year since then and has now graduated from varsity.  She is currently in her sophemore year studying Physchology and serving as an assistant coach as well.

Heidy Guzman: Heidy has been serving with Students International at the women’s social work site.  She also teaches the Servant Leadership class to the Varsity team.  She will accompany the girls as another chaperon for the trip.  (Not pictured above)