Faculty Profile: Volleyball Coach Dionna Kirton

You hear the sound of the volleyball smacking down on the opponent's side of the court. It is a sound you cannot forget and one you will want to chase forever. 
Dionna Kirton's love for volleyball started in the 7th grade. Before playing volleyball, Kirton was a basketball player. Basketball was a beloved family sport, but Kirton decided to break the mold and tried Volleyball. Kirton continued to play volleyball throughout her time at Kings High School and gained enough skill to pursue her love for the sport on the collegiate level.
Kirton attended the University of Hartford, in West Hartford Connecticut. "I was looking for a place to play volleyball, and went on an official visit," she said.

She had to decide between Hawaii Pacific University and the University of Hartford. However, when she arrived at Hartford in the fall for an official visit, she immediately fell in love with the school. It was a smaller school, and Kirton instantly connected with the girls on the team, so she knew that she could see herself playing here. 
Playing college sports was not an easy task. Kirton faced many obstacles. As she has a very close relationship with her family, moving from Seattle to Connecticut was difficult. Her family was supportive and encouraging through her endeavors. 
"My parents didn't play volleyball," Kirton said, "but my mom got really into learning about the game. It was fun to learn together. My dad thought it was both exciting and intense."
However, tragedy struck her family when her brother passed away in the summer between her sophomore and junior year at Hartford. She faced the decision of whether to leave school and come home or stay and finish at Hartford. After deliberation, she decided to return to school, because she had built such a reliable support system on the team and wanted to finish what she had started. 

Kirton's training schedule was packed. Three days a week, she would lift weights at 5:15 a.m. She would then go to class in the mornings and afternoons and practice with her team in the late afternoons for roughly four hours a day. During the off-season, Kirton regularly attended physical therapy and focused on self-care. Self-care involved staying in shape and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. 
Kirton strives to set a good example for her younger sisters. "My parents are fiercely competitive," Kirton said. "I want to set an example to continue to be competitive." 
Kirton also sets an example as a coach for the Seattle Academy Girls Varsity Volleyball Team. She brings her knowledge of the game and her fierce competitiveness to the girls on the team. 

Girls Varsity Soccer Team Kneels to Take a Stand

The National Anthem has come to the forefront of the news recently. Some professional athletes have taken a knee during the storied song to protest racial inequality in the U.S. The actions of these players have influenced members of the Seattle Academy girls’ soccer team.

Margaret Sneeringer ‘17 gave this advice to her team after a weekday practice at Delridge: “Get context for the situation, talk to people, and have an informed and personal view.” As a senior captain on the team, Sneeringer confronted the issue head on and made it clear she supported her teammates. The dialogue that she and other senior captains had brought tears, yells, and hugs, showing that opposing views can lead to a productive dialogue and demonstration. 

Rob Phillips, head coach of the Seattle Academy girls’ soccer team, further echoed his player’s philosophy, stating, “I think of [the issue] more like a sphere, rather than two arrows coming at each other. You can have many different points of view on the subject.” Phillips was proud of the girls’ discussion, their thoughtfulness, and then their stand at Fall Sports Mania. He had a lot to be happy about, and not to mention a 4-0 win over class 3A Holy Names.

There was lots of anticipation for what would happen during the National Anthem at Starfire Field during Fall Sports Mania. After each player was introduced, three of the girls of the Seattle Academy girls’ soccer team and two from The Onions addressed the fans at Starfire. “Before the National Anthem we would like to address racial inequality in the United States with direct action,” said Nia Kajumulo ‘17.  “We as a community will support each other's different opinions,” said Max Boone. Once The Onions began the performance, all but two of the girls knelt, some in the audience sat, one middle schooler raised a fist, and many stood with a hand over their hearts. There were many different ways of demonstration but respect for each one.

While people may have differences of opinion, there is a consensus in the Seattle Academy community that one must be respectful and educated especially on such a delicate issue.  As Lauri Conner said in her address to the students: “Open inquiry, dialogue, and engagement help shape this community.”