Beginning with a single inner-city San Diego team in 1996, today Starlings is the largest Junior Volleyball Club in the nation─serving some 2,500 girls in 38 clubs across America. Clubs stretch from New York City to Los Angeles, from Portland to Phoenix, Arizona.  The Omaha club was established in 1998 by Butch and Sharon Saltzman.   Shannon Walker became the director in 2008. The guiding concept has been to provide an opportunity for girls (ages 10 to 18) to participate regardless of their socioeconomic background. Club dues are a fraction of most Junior Club costs. The Starlings philosophy is a holistic one: competition is good but sports should also be fun. Finally, an athlete should seek to develop all her talents and for this reason, we proudly promote our annual Literary/Art Contest. The Starlings believe in supporting the participation of girls in volleyball because: -Girls that participate in sports are 92% less likely to get involved with drugs. -Girls who participate in sports are 80% less likely to have an unwanted pregnancy. -Girls who participate in sports are three times more likely to graduate from high school. -Girls who participate in sports have a higher level of self esteem. The sport of volleyball is ideal for the inner cities and rural areas of America—inexpensive, non-contact, and inherently a social game requiring communication and cooperation.  Girls playing volleyball in the United States outnumber boys, 12 to 1.  It is truly the “girl’s game” of America. THE STARLINGS MISSION STATEMENT To provide the equal opportunity for girls,  from diverse, lower socioeconomic environments the opportunity to train and compete at USA Volleyball's Junior Olympic level; to encourage teamwork, health, positive life skills, and academic achievement; to establish member clubs throughout the nation that are community-based and self-sustaining.