A retired volleyball player is making sure everyone gets a chance to play her sport. Heather Walker shows us how in this 7Spotlight.

This huge, state-of-the-art sports complex is now open to the public, thanks to a volleyball star living right here in Dania Beach.

Rita Crockett is a two-time Olympic volleyball player. She won a silver medal in the 1984 Summer Olympics, making her the first Afro-Latina woman to receive that honor. She also competed internationally in beach volleyball and was inducted into the Volleyball Hall of Fame in 2011.

Rita continued her love of the sport by coaching volleyball at a number of universities. Before retiring, she spent 12 years as the head coach at Florida International University.

“For me, it’s just what I do. I loved it and had fun doing it,” says Rita Crockett.

After a life well played, she wanted to share her love of sports with others. “I came from an extremely humble background, and I promised myself that I would be somebody someday who can help people like me when I was a little girl get out of where I was,” Rita explains.

Rita’s husband read an article in a local newspaper about the city supporting new initiatives to enhance and bring together the Dania Beach community. Inspired, Rita pitched the idea of a sports complex.

Dania Beach Mayor Joyce L. Davis recalls, “When Rita brought this idea, it was the first of its kind—something that could bring something new, interesting, and fun for our entire community.”

The mayor approved the plan, and Rita covered half the cost. Now, the Rita Crockett Beach Sports Academy is open to the public inside Frost Park.

The complex features eight sand courts to play volleyball, beach volleyball, tennis, soccer, flag football, and pickleball. Kids are already putting the courts to good use.

Nathan Vogel shares, “The facility is beautiful. I love volleyball, and we came here today for a little sneak peek at what the program’s gonna look like.”

This new facility is also building a family legacy; Rita’s daughter, Marritta, helps run the courts.

“We have this beautiful place. There’s nothing like this in America, and the sand is beautiful. I’m happy, I’m happy I’m unretired,” Rita says.

Though Rita may have stepped off the court professionally, the joy of the game has never left her, and now she is sharing it with others.

“I play to win. This is a winning project and it will win for the Dania Beach community,” she adds.

Even with all her medals, Rita says setting up this sports hub for her community has been her biggest win.

Heather Walker, 7News

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https://wsvn.com/news/7spotlight/retired-olympic-volleyball-player-empowers-her-community-through-new-sports-academy-in-dania-beach/