SALISBURY, Md. – Salisbury University volleyball player Amanda Chew had a seemingly binary choice as she entered the all-important summer bridging her junior and senior years: take on an internship based around her graphic design program or return to her familiar paid staffing position at a faith-based summer camp.
Either option would have been fulfilling in their own ways, but the all-conference outside hitter and two-time CoSIDA Academic All-District selection instead went west on a path that will echo through her life long after she graduates from SU, accepting an internship in Los Angeles with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Volleyball (FCAV) program.
"Despite the options I had for the summer, it was an easy decision to be an FCAV intern," said Chew, a senior from Owings, Md., soon after her internship ended in August. "The moment I heard about this program, where I would get to grow in both God and volleyball, I knew it was something I was called to do. Despite all of the unknowns that came with it, I knew it would be a life-changing experience I would never forget."
Chew first learned of the program from Sea Gull volleyball alum Katie (Stouffer) Steindl '17, herself an FCAV internship participant. During the application process she received support from her head coach Justin Turco, who saw Stouffer go through the program and was excited for Chew to experience it for herself.
Joined by seven other interns from around the country, Chew struck out for California for a summer of volleyball, leadership and faith-based learning. Mornings consisted of volleyball practice, starting with beach volleyball and moving indoors later in the summer. In the afternoons Chew and company studied under community leaders, learning about Christian faith, self and how to lead others. The rest of the time the interns spent in service to others, including conducting volleyball clinics and youth camps, and in fellowship with each other on the sparkling Pacific beaches.
"The teachings were my favorite part of the program outside of volleyball," said Chew, who particularly took to the lessons of two-time Olympic indoor volleyball medalist Christa Harmotto Dietzan. "We got to learn from so many amazing individuals, and I am super grateful for the wisdom they shared with us. I have notebooks full of teachings that I will take with me throughout my entire life."
The FCAV program was far from a typical summer internship, and Chew was able to make the most of her time in L.A. thanks in part to the values and lessons she cultivated during her first three years at Salisbury.
"At SU I learned the value of 'striving for excellence,'" explained Chew. "To me, striving for excellence means to work hard and continuously grow at something, whether it came to volleyball, school, relationships or more. In California we were thrown into a lot of challenging situations, and with this mindset, I was able to push myself to be the best I could be and have grace for myself even when I failed."
Chew practiced the all-important lesson of moving past and building on failure as she learned how to play beach volleyball, which differs enough from its indoor counterpart that this elite college athlete had to relearn many of the game's basic skills that did not easily translate from hardwood to sand.
"Rather than getting frustrated with myself, I viewed each practice as an opportunity to improve," said Chew. "There were many times I would fail, but I used each failure as a learning moment to build upon."
As she returned "back east" for her fourth season with Sea Gull volleyball, Chew has stepped up as a leader for her teammates in unexpected ways. The lessons she brought back from California helped her to better navigate her mindset through a midseason injury.
"At first it was hard because I've never had to lead from a position of sitting back and watching," explained Chew at the conclusion of the regular season. "This summer taught me that I don't have to be on the court to lead. I can lead through encouraging others, and through serving my teammates. I could see what they each needed and could help them in whichever way I could."
Now fully healthy and a key contributor behind the Sea Gulls' 7-1 run into this week's Coast-to-Coast Athletic Conference (C2C) Tournament in Milwaukee, Wisc., Chew will keep leading her team through the postseason and continue to lead in her college community at large during the offseason. The life lessons she brings back from her FCAV internship will serve her well as she enters a life of service at Salisbury University and beyond.
"This summer I learned that there isn't one 'right' way to lead," summarized Chew. "Every person is different and has their own authentic form of leadership based on who they are. It takes knowing yourself and your values to lead others."
Salisbury University is a proud member of NCAA Division III with primary membership in the Coast-to-Coast Athletic Conference, along with the New Jersey Athletic Conference for football and the Metropolitan Swimming and Diving Conference for men's and women's swimming. With over 500 student-athletes in 21 varsity sports, SU is recognized as one of the most competitive intercollegiate athletics programs regardless of division, and dedicated coaches and staff that foster excellence on-and-off the field. The Sea Gulls have celebrated 22 team national championships, 24 individual national champions, 184 conference championships and 41 Academic All-Americans.
To learn more about the tradition of excellence with Sea Gull Athletics, visit www.SUSeaGulls.com or on social media @SUSeaGulls.
