LOV PUERTO RICO KIDS
Luis and Dani are empathetic and compassionate Leaders spearheading our LOV PUERTO RICO KIDS mission. As Puerto Rican natives their pride runs deep, and they are eager to utilize LOV’s platform as a means to give back to their home.
Economic disparities exist within their community that make it extremely difficult, and sometimes impossible, for certain children to enjoy extracurriculars such as volleyball. There’s a gap in both resources and access between the kids who attend public and private schools.
Utilizing the connections Luis and Dani have to other leaders living in Puerto Rico, we will collaborate on creating programming that provides opportunities for those who don’t have equal access to the sport of volleyball. We will also participate in service projects as determined by leaders within the communities to lend a helping hand. Children of all backgrounds should have the chance to experience the sport of volleyball and what it has to offer. We hope to share the LOV by creating these opportunities and satisfying other needs within underprivileged areas.
DANI RIVERA
Dani was exposed to volleyball from a super early age because his whole family played. He developed a passion for the sport and worked hard to become his best. He represented Puerto Rico’s beach youth national team and had significant success competing internationally including a 5th place finish at the World Championships in China. Dani also led his indoor volleyball club to several podium finishes at USAV Junior Nationals.
He went on to study biomedical engineering at Marquette University while competing for their club volleyball team and playing beach in the summer (collecting more accolades along the way). Now, Dani hopes to give back to his community in Puerto Rico while continuing to crush his personal goals of competing on the AVP Tour.
As programming in Puerto Rico becomes available, check out our programming registration page for more information.
LUIS DEL VALLE
Luis started playing volleyball around 2nd or 3rd grade when his best friend convinced him to give it a try. He played for his school team and various club teams throughout his youth including Borinquen Coqui, Torrimar and Vaqueros. He went on to compete for the University of Arizona’s club team, leading them to a couple of top 5 finishes while earning all-tournament honors along the way.
Luis is inspired by the sacrifices his mother and stepdad made to assist with financing his club volleyball experience. He acknowledges that other children were less fortunate than him and didn’t have the same opportunities to play. Luis is determined to pave the way for the next generation of athletes.
Click the button below to find out how you can support Lights Out Volleyball so we can share the LOV.
A message from our founder:
“First and foremost, I would love to give a giant thank you to Dani and the Rivera family for your warmth, your attention, and your inclusion. Over the past few years you’ve shown me your giving ways and have included me in your tribe, as family. Dani has become an important person in my life and is like a little brother to me- thank you for being a great friend. I love you guys!
I’d also like to say thank you to Luis Del Valle- a great friend and another brother to me. You’re an incredibly talented and caring individual and you bring a lot of unique qualities to the table. I’m incredibly happy to have you on board and look forward to our future endeavors together!
Puerto Rico is such an incredible opportunity for us to give back and to provide access for those who are in need. Much like our Navajo Nation Impact Zone, Puerto Rico will also dual as a service trip where we will be volunteering in the community outside of volleyball; empowering the people and empowering ourselves.”
- Harshil Thaker -
Founder, LOV