Feature Story
SVU Breaks Ground for Beach Volleyball Court Generously Donated by the Elam Family
On Friday, Sept. 18, Southern Virginia University officially broke ground on a new beach volleyball court that will give the university’s beach volleyball team a dedicated place to practice on campus and provide another recreational space for students.
The court is made possible by a generous gift from the Elam family, whose daughter, Celestial, spoke at the university’s forum earlier that morning.
“First off, we want to recognize the Elam family and thank them again,” said President Aaron Hale during the groundbreaking ceremony held immediately after the forum. “This is a great day for our beach volleyball team as they will now have a home court to practice on and our students will have another place to connect with one another.”
“We are very grateful for the Elam family and their willingness to support our students,” said Deidra Dryden, the vice president of advancement. “We are so excited for Coach Baker and our wonderful student athletes, and for the gathering place this will create for the entire student body.”
The new court addresses an essential need for the beach volleyball program, which is entering its third season. Since the program began, the team has trained at three separate locations in Lexington and Lynchburg. Having a court on campus will eliminate the need for daily commutes, and allow players to make the most of their training time.
The court was made possible through the donation of the Nathan and Raelene Elam family, whose connection to volleyball and SVU runs deep. Raelene played at the University of Arizona and recently won a gold medal with the U.S. National Sitting Volleyball team against China. All six of the Elam children have played volleyball, including two daughters currently playing at SVU: Charity Elam, an inaugural member of the beach volleyball team, and Adah Elam, a setter for the indoor team.
In 2017, Nathan, Raelene, Celestial, and another daughter, Sariah, were seriously injured in a car crash while returning home from a volleyball game. Celestial and Sariah were paralyzed, and Raelene lost her leg.
Head Beach Volleyball Coach Jon Baker said the family’s response following the accident speaks to who they are.
“The Elams are an extraordinary family,” said Baker. “During that time, even though several members of their family were in the hospital and Nathan couldn’t walk, he would hop on his tractor and ask his neighbors if they needed any help. Here’s somebody whose wife and two daughters have been seriously injured, he can’t walk, and his thought is to go out and help somebody else. That’s what the Elams are about—they are the salt of the earth.”
“We’re extremely grateful to the Elam family for their generous donation toward the development of our campus beach volleyball court,” continued Baker. “This facility will be a wonderful addition to Southern Virginia University, enhancing campus life and providing students with another opportunity to connect, stay active, and build lasting friendships. The court will also serve as the practice facility for our beach volleyball team until our permanent competition courts are completed.”
Fundraising efforts will continue for permanent competition courts planned near the university’s tennis courts. Once those are complete, the new practice court will remain as a permanent student recreational area.
“The Elam’s see the vision of this university, and they wanted to help it grow,” said Baker. “This support will make a lasting difference in our campus community, and we sincerely appreciate their commitment to Southern Virginia University and the girls on our beach volleyball team.”