Zalyiz has always been a lot taller and is extremely athletic and can excel at any sport he attempts. Zalyiz knows he's good and that attitude doesn’t always sit well with the other members and has caused many rifts. We have seen a completely different side of Zalyiz this past year. He’s been more of a team player, to the point that he is actually teaming up with less athletic members and teaching them how to play. His focus has changed from winning at all cost, to having fun and bringing others up to his level. Zalyiz joined our Club volleyball team and, of course, excelled. Mrs. Cheryl coached a summer team at South High School and the boys’ volleyball coach is working on getting him to try out for their team! It’s hard for us to put into words the turnaround we’ve seen in him. He no longer gets angry at games, he’s smiling! He no longer has to prove that he’s the best, he’s encouraging others to be better also! Zalyiz has done a lot of amazing things this past year!

Zalyiz has become a leader in the sense that he now understands that, regardless if he wants to be or is trying to be, others are looking up to him. This summer he attended our High School Club, The Loft, and loved it! Zalyiz was one of only three members from Avondale to complete the requirements for our Peer Leader program. We can’t wait to see how Zalyiz continues to grow in a leader at our Clubhouse!

Zalyis stated he wants to make the world a better place by wanting to help kids who are being bullied learn to stand up for themselves in a good way.