her passion for playing volleyball may be in jeopardy. “The first question I asked was how long it would be until I could play volleyball again,” Banton said. “His response was six months to a year. That is when the tears came out. I couldn’t believe what was happening. It was truly the scariest thing that has ever happened to me.” Three days later she underwent eight hours of surgery to remove the tumor. Doctors warned her parents that when she woke up from post-op, she might not know how to talk, walk or do much of anything. But Banton surprised everyone. When she


woke up, she began talking and asking about when she could play volleyball again. Doctors again cautioned that Banton could be in for a lengthy recovery involving occupational and physical therapy due to the length of time the tumor had been lodged above the cerebel- lum.


Banton wasted little time getting back on


the court as she handled all her therapy sessions like a perfect pass. Three months after having brain surgery, she was cleared to play volleyball again on Feb. 10, 2016, in time to join JJVA 15N John mid-season. “On Feb. 10, I went in for a checkup with


the neurologist and had another MRI,” Banton said. “He explained that I was healing at a very fast pace and the symptoms I was supposed to have were happening slight to none. He told me I was able to play again. Then came the tears, but this time they were happy tears. I came to practice a couple days later with my paper saying I can participate by the doctor. I was all smiles. My teammates and coach welcomed me and I was able to play the rest of the season. Today I feel a massive difference. I’m able to exercise properly and perform at my best.”


As a sophomore this past fall, Banton


averaged 2.4 kills with a .347 hitting efficiency, 1.4 aces and 3.7 digs per set where she helped Menendez High to the Florida Class 6A play- offs. Banton is currently playing this spring for the JJVA 16N1 Team. C.J. Sherman, JJVA’s recruiting coordina-


tor, was amazed at the quick progress Banton made following the surgery. “I remember two phone calls, the first one


with the news where Amy, Marley’s mom, could barely tell me what was going on,” Sher- man said. “The second one from Amy again saying she is up talking and wants to know when she can play again! Marley’s faith allowed her to deal with this devastating news. Her family was her rock and her teammates encour- aged her! She never thought she would not beat this and she fought during her recovery to get better every day, a motto she has seen at JJVA her entire career.”


Crush Volleyball raises $10,000 from Crush Cares fundraiser One of the mottos of Crush Volleyball


Club, based in Burlington, Kentucky, is “Life lessons, volleyball included.” On Jan. 7, 2017, Crush players, ages 10-18 from 15 teams with- in the club, learned about community service by participating in the club’s annual “Crush Cares” fundraiser that collected $10,368 for six local Northern Kentucky organizations. “As a Director,


coach and mother it is important to me that we teach our younger generation what it means to give back,” Crush Volleyball Direc- tor Clara England said. “I have been in many different places in my life, including close to homelessness and I understand the need to support our communi- ties. By offering Crush Cares, it truly teaches different life lessons. As many of our players have said,‘It teaches us to count money,’ ‘teaches us to work as a team’ and ‘teaches us to be thankful for what we have been given.’” Late last fall, each


Crush team was as- signed a charity; older and younger teams were grouped together for a “big sister-little sister” experience. Before Christmas, players learned about their charity by volunteering on-site. Over the holidays,


families in this area that need the extra help and the importance to recognize them and do whatever we can, even if it’s something small. My team and I should always keep in mind that even though we are extremely fortunate people, we need to lend a hand to those who aren’t. Helping our community and putting others first is something we should continue to do throughout our entire lives.” The fundraiser turned into an eye-opening


event for many of the Crush players. “Crush Cares was an experience that truly opened my eyes,” said Maddie Music with Crush 15 Blue, which provided funds for Ac- tion Ministries. “Together, as a volleyball club


The Crush Volleyball Club raised more than $10,000 during its Crush Cares fundraiser. Photo: Crush Volleyball Club


players collected donations from friends and relatives for their assigned organizations. Some athletes earned money through chores, babysitting, etc. Crush 17 Blue collected $961 as a team to lead the way, while Crush 15 Blue followed closely with $920 and Crush 16 Blue contributed $824 for its organization. “Crush Cares taught me that I should always make an effort to help those in need,” said Makayla Cain with Crush 17 Blue, which raised funds for Welcome House. “It made me realize that there are so many people and


we raised over $10,000 from donations, chores, and any other way a player could raise money. This showed me the power of teamwork and dedication. As well as the experience teaching me teamwork, it also made me thankful for everything I have. “When I walked into Action Ministries, I saw things that I usually take for granted. This made me realize that I am very fortunate to have all the things I have. Overall, Crush Cares was a great experience that taught me many life lessons.”


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