Hello! My name is Michelle Glover. By day, I am a middle school teacher with Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS), and I also coach volleyball part-time. My students watch everything I do. I constantly encourage them to dream big, work hard, and believe that their circumstances do not define their future. Now, I have the chance to live out that lesson in front of them -- to show them that with dedication, perseverance, and community support, anything truly is possible.

I have been given the opportunity of a lifetime -- I was selected to compete with the Volleyball League of America (VLA), representing the United States on an international stage. I found out a couple of years ago that I had torn my shoulder in three places, which meant I would never be able to play volleyball again. I would not only need surgery but also intensive therapy to ever return to the court. This terrified me as volleyball is an important piece of who I am; it's all I have known. I could not imagine never playing again. I was heartbroken. I was extremely blessed to have an amazing surgeon, physical therapy team, and support system who helped me recover and return to the sport I loved. I have worked my whole life to get an opportunity like this, and I do not want to pass this up.

As many know, women's sports continue to face funding challenges. Because this is a semi-professional women's team, each athlete is responsible for covering her own travel and participation expenses. While I have dedicated my life to this sport, the financial commitment required to make this dream a reality is the one obstacle standing in my way. Your support will directly help cover travel, lodging, league fees, and training expenses so I can represent not only my country, but also my school, my students, and my community with pride.

If you are able to give, share, or support in any way, you are helping turn a lifelong dream into reality -- and helping me show the next generation that hard work opens doors.

Thank you for believing in me. #22