Mertena Returns from Belize with VOLeaders

Rebeka Mertena, a senior on the Tennessee women's tennis team, returned from Belize last week after a trip with VOLeaders Academy.

"I can't even put into words how much I love this program," Mertena said upon her return. "I met so many great people and was so positively impacted by what we did. Not only did I learn more about myself and my values, I learned how to help the community and serve other people."

In Belize, the group develops relationships with the community by working on projects and playing various sports with the local kids. It was an eye-opening experience for the Latvia native and the leadership skills she learned will stay with her forever.

"I made so many memories with this group and it all started on day one. Even when I wasn't feeling great, I always looked forward to my VOLeaders classes and the people I was around made me smile. One of my fondest memories is when we learned in class about how to facilitate activities. Then bringing that to life brought the whole group closer together and allowed me to understand their culture and their lives. This whole experience made me appreciate what I have a little bit more."

Mertena formed a close bond with the other VOLeaders student-athletes through their time in the classroom and in the field. Belize strengthened that connection, making the trip an experience that she will never forget.

"We were all our genuine selves and immersed ourselves in every bit of the culture. There was so much to see and experience, it was so important to stay in the moment. I wanted to embrace and soak up everything that was in front of me."

The VOLeaders Academy continues to strengthen the student-athlete experience and has had a long-lasting impact on Volunteers since its inception in 2015. Head Coach Alison Ojeda has seen and heard that firsthand.

"Joe Scogin, Jessica Wildfire and their staff do an amazing job with the program. When these student athletes get to experience the feeling of giving back, they are hooked," Ojeda said on its impact. "This time of the year is always exciting for our VOLeaders. They spent the last 10 months learning how to use sport and their platform to make a positive change in our world. I can't wait to talk with Rebeka and hear about her experience."

You can learn more about VOLeaders Academy on their page, or by following it on Twitter or Instagram.

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