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them make you feel like you aren’t worth anything or that you aren’t important. You have a purpose. You have the power to make our world better. And you have people who love you for exactly who you are. When the world gets you down and it feels like there’s nobody on your side, remember this: I think you’re awesome, for nothing other than being you. I’ll be on your side. Don’t forget those questions we started


with. It’s a good reminder for all of us to look at how we live. Be the person you actually want to be. Use your power wisely to bring more light into this world. Instead of trying to place yourself above somebody else, lift them up and you will be remembered for it. And let’s all try to love each other, and ourselves, a little better. Editor’s Note: Pass on the story to your friends using the QR Code below left.


Age doesn’t deter giving back for Frances Mazzei


At age 87, Frances Mazzei continues to be a beacon of light for youth starting the game of volleyball. As the longest acting member of the Northern California Volleyball


navigated the athletic world, but has become an icon to the sport of volleyball. One may ask how Mazzei came to love volleyball so much, but it seems as though it has always been in her blood. She watched her daughters play in college, on the beach, on the grass. She endlessly supported four granddaughters in their volleyball efforts and saw all four play collegiate ball (including a few nieces earn- ing all-American honors). To this day,


AGELESS SUPPORT: Frances Mazzei has made volleyball a big part of her life for decades. (Photo: NCVA)


Association, Frances Mazzei has poured her heart and soul into the volleyball scene. For decades she has represented Fresno Volleyball Club and been an integral part of countless young athletes achieving scholarships to play volleyball collegiately. To think that Mazzei grew up in an era during which women’s sports were non- existent is mind blowing. She has not only


Mazzei still attends nearly every Bullard Volleyball match (her twin granddaughters’ alma mater) in her hometown of Fresno and actively participates in Fresno Volleyball Club. She is nothing short of passionate for the sport and the athletes who play it. Her email is full of letters from former athletes ex- pressing gratitude to her for being the voice that said “you can do it.”


And should you ask her about why she continues to be involved in volleyball she will tell you, “For me it was always about the girls and the boys having every opportunity to succeed and knowing someone believed in them.”


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