There was a time in my life when I didn’t believe I was capable of anything extraordinary. Now I’ve been invited to represent my passion for volleyball on an international stage in Italy.

Hi, my name is Maddison Klassen. I’m a grade 11 student at the Erie immigration District high school in kingsville Ontario Canada.

I never imagined I’d be writing something like this. I’ve been invited to travel to Italy for an international volleyball event and opportunity. This truly makes it feel like a once in a lifetime chance. And I’m asking for help to make it possible.

Growing up wasn’t easy for me when I was younger. I was bullied and struggled a lot with anxiety. I often felt invisible like I didn’t belong anywhere and for a long time I carried that feeling with me I didn’t have many friends and most days. I just tried to get through school without being noticed.

Everything started to change in grade 8 when I joined my school volleyball team. that was the moment my love for volleyball really began. Stepping onto the court gave me something I didn’t even realize I was missing, a sense of purpose. Volleyball became my escape from the anxiety, the noise in my head and the loneliness I felt. For the first time I felt strong, capable and accepted.

Volleyball has always been part of my family. Both of my sisters grew up playing, and I watched them from the sidelines. They always inspired me, but never fully convinced me to believe I could do it too when I moved from Saskatchewan to Ontario, I felt lost all over again, but volleyball helped ground me. It gave me a team, a routine and people who believed in me even when I struggled to believe in myself.

In November 2025, I was invited to exact sports camp in Cleveland Ohio and was able to meet with seven different college coaches. At the beginning of January. I received an email. I had made the final pick. I will plan to head out to Italy this summer to meet with several more college coaches and Hope to expand my college options.

This invitation to play volleyball in Italy means more than just travelling or competing. It represents how far I’ve come and open doors for me to become a professional college volleyball player. I will be introduced to many university and college coaches, and hopefully get a head start on scholarships.

From someone who once felt alone and anxious to someone brave enough to chase a dream that feels bigger than herself, this trip would challenge me, help me grow as an athlete and a person, and allow me to experience the world in a way I never thought was possible I love sightseeing and learning about new places and being able to do that through volleyball would be unforgettable.

Outside of volleyball, I’m a dog loving teenager who finds comfort in the little things. My favourite colour is purple and volleyball is still the place where I feel most like myself.

As a student, the cost of this trip is overwhelming, and my family, and I can’t do it alone asking for help is not easy, but this opportunity means everything to me any support whether it’s a donation or simply sharing. My story means more than words can say.

Every donation is a reminder that the girl who once felt alone is now surrounded by belief support, and hope. If you choose to support me, you’re not just helping me travel you’re helping turn years of doubt, into proof that I am capable of more than I have ever imagined and you’re helping that once anxious girl prove to herself that she belongs that she’s capable, and that dream’s born in the hardest moment’s can still take you all the way across the world.