We had the good fortune of connecting with Monique Adams and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Monique, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
As the owner of Houston Outlaws Volleyball Club, Monique Adams had never expected to become an entrepreneur. With two daughters who were interested in learning how to play volleyball, I took on the role of coaching their team. Little did I know that the journey would be nothing short of amazing. After being introduced to club volleyball, I realized that this level of play was drastically different from my previous experience with YMCA volleyball. Inspired by my daughter’s involvement in USA volleyball, I decided to become a coach on the USA Volleyball level and ultimately opened my own Volleyball club in 2017.
Taking what I had learned back to my community was important, as this level of play was not readily available in the area where I was raised. I hoped that by providing an opportunity to play at this level, all kids could have the chance to earn a scholarship to college.
Despite the rewards of my entrepreneurial journey, I faced significant challenges along the way. My biggest struggles included convincing parents to invest in their children’s sports development and encouraging them to commit to one sport in order to take their skills to the next level. Even through the bumps and bruises, I remained dedicated to providing opportunities for young athletes and giving back to my community.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Houston Outlaws Volleyball Club is a non-profit organization based in Houston, Texas, that provides training and competition opportunities for youth volleyball players. Our focus is on building character, sportsmanship, teamwork, and leadership skills through high-quality coaching, structured practices, and competitive play. What sets Houston Outlaws Volleyball Club apart from competitors is our commitment to providing affordable and accessible training and competition opportunities for all players, regardless of their income or background. Our goal is to break down barriers and make volleyball accessible to all.
I am most proud of the impact that the Houston Outlaws Volleyball Club has made on the community. Many of our players have received scholarships to play volleyball in college, and they have been able to help hundreds of players develop the skills they need to achieve their goals and dreams on and off the court.
Of course, starting a non-profit organization was not easy. I had to navigate the challenges of fundraising, marketing, and managing the day-to-day operations of the club. I credit my dedication and perseverance for being able to overcome these challenges and build a successful organization and staff.
Along the way, I learned the importance of effective communication, building relationships with my players and their families, and the value of community support. These lessons have helped me grow and develop Houston Outlaws Volleyball Club into the respected organization it is today.
I want the world to know that Houston Outlaws Volleyball Club is more than just a volleyball club. We are a community of athletes, coaches, and families who are committed to building character, leadership, and teamwork skills. We are dedicated to providing opportunities for young athletes to succeed not just on the court but in life.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would love to take my best friend on a visit to Playa Del Carmen for a week, some recommended activities could include visiting. Day 1: Arrive in Playa del Carmen and check into your hotel. Spend the afternoon exploring the city’s beaches, such as Playa del Carmen Beach or Mamitas Beach Club.
Day 2: Visit Xcaret Park, which offers a blend of cultural activities, nature excursions, and water activities.
Day 3: Take a boat tour to Cozumel Island, where you can enjoy the stunning coral reefs, pristine beaches, and great dining options.
Day 4: Explore the ancient ruins of Tulum, a well-preserved ancient Mayan city with stunning views of the Caribbean Sea.
Day 5: Take a day trip to the Cenotes Dos Ojos, a network of underwater caves and rivers located inside a national park. This is a unique and unforgettable experience.
Day 6: Spend a day at Xel-Ha Natural Park, where you can swim with dolphins, snorkel in natural lagoons, and enjoy various water activities.
Day 7: Take a relaxing day to soak up the sun at one of Playa del Carmen’s many beautiful beaches or indulge in some luxury spa treatments.
Overall, Playa del Carmen offers a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, history, and culture suitable for a memorable and exciting week-long vacation.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I Monique Adams would like to dedicate my shoutout to my family, friends, staff, and the parents of the children who attend the Houston Outlaws Volleyball Club. Without the support of my loved ones, I would not have been able to pursue my passion for coaching and helping young athletes reach their full potential. Additionally, I recognized the importance of having access to resources and training programs when it came to developing my own skills as a coach. I am grateful for the support and mentorship I received from the USA Volleyball organization, which has helped me further develop my coaching techniques.
Lastly, I am grateful for the opportunity to give back to the community and provide young athletes with an opportunity to excel in the sport that I love. The Houston Outlaws Volleyball Club would not be possible without the dedication, support, and investment of the parents who entrust their children’s development to me and my coaching staff.
Website: houstonoutlawsvolleyball.net
Instagram: houstonoutlaws
Facebook: www.facebook.com/volleyballoutlaws