My name is Quontinetta Bufford and I played for the Dallas Starlings during my four years in high school

My name is Quontinetta Bufford and I played for the Dallas Starlings during my four years in high school. Playing for the Starlings gave me opportunities I've never imagined possible. Living in an urban area, I had never been exposed to club volleyball, and even after I had been exposed to it the prices of playing club volleyball were not in my families' income.

By playing for the Starlings, it gave me the skills and fundamentals that some high schools don't teach. After really learning the game of volleyball I decided I wanted to take it to the next level, college. Even though I had a minor setback by having a child, I still was able to pursue my goals as a volleyball player. With the reasonable prices and college recruiters that were looking at our team, I was able to go on to play collegiate level volleyball. I decided to attend Cedar Valley College; it is a local community college in the Dallas area. Even though I chose not to attend a university, many others on my club team did. My first year attending Cedar Valley, we became National Champions. Not many people can say they have won a title of such honor, and without the help of my experience with the Starlings, I wouldn't be able to say it either.

Dallas Starlings helped changed my life drastically and for that I am forever thankful. They taught me life lessons in which I shall never forget. Let not what you cannot do, tear from your hands what you can do. Meaning that as teenagers we have no control over our family's income, but we do have control over our future. Dallas Starlings gives players an opportunity of a lifetime, and in return we become better, well rounded, exposed and educated individuals, which is a plus for our society.

Thank you,

Quontinetta Bufford

Dallas Starlings Member 2000-2004

Freshman at CVCC

April 24, 2008