Former Olympian And TMU Coach Annett Davis Shares Her Story With Valencia’s Special Education Program

Former Olympian and The Master’s University’s Beach Volleyball Head Coach Annett Davis visited Valencia High School to share her story with the Special Education Extended Year Program.

Despite a busy schedule, Davis was ecstatic to come to speak to all the students after being asked by a friend to do the event.

“When a friend asks you to come, you come. She was telling me how special this was and how they haven’t done something like before for their special needs kids,” said Davis. “So I thought this would be a great opportunity, especially since it’s the time of the Olympics. Hopefully, they will get inspired to watch it and there are the Special Olympics as well.”

Davis, who competed in the Olympics in 2000 with teammate Jenny Johnson Jordon, shared how they became the first African American duo to make the U.S. Olympic beach volleyball team .

Prior to her Olympic run, she played at UCLA, where she was named the Pac-10 Freshman of the Year and Player of the Year in indoor volleyball.

Following her illustrious career, Davis was inducted into the UCLA Hall of Fame in 2015.

All the students, teachers and Hart board members that were present were ecstatic to hear Davis’s story and how she continues to inspire through her coaching at TMU . Some of the students even made homemade Olympic decorations.

Students’ handmade Olympic decorations

Students’ handmade Olympic decorations

“We are so appreciative to have someone in our community who is willing to support our students and to tell her story and really talk about how there are certain things that can happen when you work hard,” said Interim Superintendent of the William S. Hart School District, Mike Vierra. “This is great for our students just to see someone who is giving back and is also a fantastic role model. We are so appreciative of having people in our community come here who are willing to speak with the students to tell their story and share their talents.”

After sharing her testimony, students were able to ask Davis questions regarding her career, personal life and her hobbies.

Following the event students got the opportunity to talk with Davis and ask some questions.

“I didn’t want to come here and do a speech; it was a request that I wanted to answer whatever they wanted to hear, so it was fun to be able to do that,” said Davis.

She even expressed interest in returning to talk to the class in the future and possibly other schools within the Hart District.

“She’s fantastic and absolutely, we would love to have this on an ongoing basis,” said Vierra.

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