AAU - Volleyball

MISSING FATHER MAKES AAU MEMBER MORE DEDICATED

2015-06-12

In May of 2012, Destiny Washington’s worst nightmare was brought to life. Her father, Adrian Washington was missing. No one knew where he was and he wasn’t answering his phone.

After Washington’s mother, Ebony Kilgore, told her two young daughters that their father was missing, the oldest daughter, Destiny, was the one who held the family together.

For a year, she was so strong and full of strength,” I am thinking that part of her strength was disbelief. I believe that she thought in her heart that he would return.”

A year went by and the family still hadn’t heard anything new. Destiny began to lose weight, become withdrawn and become despondent. She began to struggle with her classes, but still maintained a “B” average.

Washington said she knew she had to stay strong for her family.

“I had to stay strong because I knew that's what my Dad would want me to do and I had to do everything in my power to make him proud even though he wasn’t here,” Washington explained. “He told me to always take care of my mother and my little sister and I will always try to do just that.”

Now 17 years old, Washington has played volleyball for the past seven years and said it was the one thing that truly helped her through her ordeal.

“Volleyball is a sport that I am so passionate about,” she said. “It helps me build relationships with coaches and teammates. I love the game of volleyball so much that I will do everything in my power to keep pushing and striving to be the best I can be!”

The Pflugerville, Texas resident also has a passion for fashion. She hopes to have the opportunity to play volleyball in college and then attend FIT in New York to build a career in the fashion industry.

Washington will be participating in the 2015 AAU Girls’ Junior National Volleyball Championships with her club team, Austin Juniors Volleyball -17 Navy.

“I want to come [to Nationals] because it's a wonderful experience for me and my team to prove to everyone that we are capable of winning and being a great team,” she said. “The overall tournament is a great tournament. I had so much fun last year and this year I'm ready to play some more!”

Officials still don’t have any information on her missing father and it’s a constant struggle for Washington and her family. She has learned a valuable lesson from this unfortunate circumstance, though.

“I've learned that no matter how many obstacles you go through you can always overcome them or get through them by just believing that you can do it.”

We are so happy to have you join us in Orlando, Florida for the 2015 AAU Girls’ Junior National Volleyball Championships! Good luck to you and your team!