Scott-Arruda rebuilds life through volleyball

Louisiana, USA, November 15, 2016 – Five-time Olympian Danielle Scott-Arruda is rebuilding her life after a devastating typhoon hit her hometown in August this year.

Scott-Arruda spoke with Robin Fambrough of The Advocate on how she is piecing together her life through volleyball.

Scott-Arruda lost so much from the typhoon, including medals and trophies earned from a very long volleyball career.

Amidst all the difficulties she encountered from the calamity, Scott-Arruda got a lot of support from her former teammates and the volleyball community. And still, she finds comfort in the sport that has been her life since the mid-1980s.

Now, Scott-Arruda inspires many young people and promotes a new grassroots volleyball initiative in different schools in her hometown.

“I’m excited about being able to help these young girls learn and achieve goals that will hopefully help them feel good about themselves,” Scott-Arruda said. “This year has been a challenge, but it’s so rewarding to be in a position to help bring volleyball to children.”

The students pay attention to the Olympian intently, when she tells her story about being an athlete and being inspired by her mother, who worked two jobs to provide for her family.

That same work ethic helped Scott-Arruda to a successful career in volleyball spanning five Olympic Games appearances, an induction into the International Volleyball Hall of Fame and a colourful professional career in several countries.

Scott-Arruda is getting back on track and has also taken on a coaching role at age-group tournaments for USA Volleyball.