Desi Tupua and Webfoot volleyball team head to nationals
Community can help get them to Arizona
April 11, 2022 — Siuslaw junior Desi Tupua and her Webfoot Juniors Volleyball Girls 18’s team has qualified for the 43rd Annual Girls’ Junior National Championships in Phoenix, Ariz., April 22 to 24.
The Webfoots will be competing against the best girls volleyball teams in the nation.
“It has been the combined effort of strongly committed athletes, supportive families, and dedicated coaches contributing to this team’s success,” says the Webfoot’s website.
Tupua, a Sky-Em League first-teamer for the Vikings this fall, has been playing volleyball since fifth grade.
“I fell in love with the game instantly,” said Tupua. “The fundamentals, the excitement, and the quick thinking that are involved with the game are amazing.”
“Summer” or “traveling” teams like the Webfoot Juniors give high school volleyball players extra time on the court after their school season ends. Webfoot Juniors is a volleyball club located in Eugene.
“We strive to provide high-level volleyball training to young people of all ages and abilities,” says the Webfoot’s website. “We offer programs including club teams, academy training, and individual lessons. Our mission is to provide a positive, collegiate style volleyball experience for student/athletes of all ages and skill abilities in the Willamette valley and surrounding areas.”
Playing for the Webfoots is an example of Tupua’s willingness to always be ready to learn and improve.
“My volleyball skills continue to grow, develop and improve every day I'm on the court and it doesn't matter if it's an open gym, practice or a real competition game,” she said. “My passion for the game holds a special place in my heart, my team is my family. We win together, we lose together, we struggle together, we cry together and we learn together. I'm a very competitive player, always have room for improvements, willing to learn new skills, always open for suggestions and feedback.”
After the last two years of limited play because of COVID, the Webfoots are excited to have the opportunity to compete at this high level of volleyball.
According to Tupua, the Webfoots need help getting to nationals in Arizona. They are looking for help in raising funds towards the cost of Nationals and trip expenses.
There are three ways you can help:
- Venmo @Webfoot-Juniors
- Mail a check to payable to:
Webfoot Juniors Volleyball
P.O. Box 5492
Eugene, OR 97405
Also, those who make a monetary donation have two options.
- Support the whole team (email [email protected] for Tax ID)
or
- Support an individual player (this donation will go directly to the designated player’s cost and is not tax deductible.)
Any amount can help offset the overall cost for the club and player. This tournament will cost roughly $15,000.
“When they travel to nationals, these girls are not only representing Webfoot Jr., but also representing Siuslaw,” said Tasi Tupua, Desi’s mother.
To follow the Webfoot Juniors or for more information on contributing, go to www.webfootjuniors.com/.