Kathy Ets-Hokin | 2020 Junior Service Award | Outstanding Parent

Kathy Ets-Hokin was a four-sport star playing at Kennedy Christian High School from 1983-87 before going on to become a setter/defensive specialist at Mercyhurst College.

But Kathy’s proudest accomplishment was having her children grow into wonderful people, including her daughter Camryn who shares her mom’s love and passion for volleyball. Camryn has played five years of club volleyball, most recently with Miami Elite Club last year. Her team won silver at the Gasperilla Tournament in Tampa.

Before having her children, Kathy coached volleyball at Coral Shores High School from 2001-2003, officiated high school volleyball from 1999-2000 and volunteered with Special Olympics from 1992 to 1996. She returned to coaching at Coral Shores High School in 2016 where she has coached the player of the county in three of the last four years with four players going on to play in college.

As a parent, Kathy stresses to youth players the importance to volunteer, be compassionate to others and give back to the community by being responsible citizens. After the Florida Keys were hit hard by Hurricane Irma in 2017, she encouraged players to volunteer at a local church that was in need of help. A total of 10 kids showed up working four hours for 2-3 days picking up palm trees, branches and other debris.

A year later, Hurricane Michael hit the Florida panhandle and Kathy spearheaded relief efforts with her club. Working with the Miami Elite VBC, Upper Keys Foundation and fall sports teams from her high school, a semitruck full of needed materials and money went to hurricane victims who lost their gyms, houses and much more.

Kathy teaches a class with challenged students in which her own children and players have learned compassion. Many of the athletes have played on the United Special Olympics team with them and won a state championship.