As Executive Director of the Starlings Organization, I Would Like to Attest to the Exceptional

August 24, 2004

As executive director of the Starlings organization, I would like to attest to the exceptional contributions Del Hughes has made to our program in the Atlanta area. In a few short years, under the leadership of Del and his wife, Arleen, the Atlanta Starlings has emerged to be one of our most successful and innovative clubs in the nation.

Regarding Del’s knowledge of the sport─in areas such as officiating, physical training, coaching, club organization, directing of competitions etc.─he has demonstrated a deep understanding and unusual sense of creativity.

Beyond Del’s high level of expertise in the sport, I have been particularly impressed with his abilities to communicate and motivate the girls under his direction. Del’s commitment to his athletes goes beyond the court; his efforts to develop positive life skills in his players has been outstanding and figures as an important goal of the Starlings program. He has made tremendous efforts to ready his players for college.

An outstanding example of Del’s holistic approach to sports has been demonstrated in our annual Starlings Literary/Art Contest. In terms of contest participation, submissions from the Atlanta Starlings has consistently been first or second amongst our clubs. In addition, many of the contest winners have been members of the Atlanta club.

In our mission to provide an avenue for girls of low-income backgrounds to play Junior Club Volleyball, as director of the Starlings program, I would like to see more clubs following the example of the Atlanta Starlings. Undoubtedly, the Atlanta club’s model achievement is largely attributable to the labors and commitment of Del Hughes.

Sincerely,

Byron Shewman

Founder/Executive Director

Starlings Volleyball Clubs, USA

P.O. Box 232416 Encinitas, CA 92023-2416

Phone: (760) 230-1870 · Fax: (760) 230-1870 · Website: www.starlings.org