“I thought it was a total scam,” USC beach volleyball freshman Bella Satterwhite laughs. “I was like, ‘No way that this is actually happening.’”
It’s a balmy winter afternoon at Merle Norman Stadium, even by LA’s standards. I’m sitting in the bleachers with Satterwhite sometime between the end of her practice and the beginning of her class, watching the sand from the courts swirl in the breeze. Despite the beachy atmosphere, we don’t talk about volleyball – at least not entirely.
The two-time Pensacola News Journal Player of the Year and MaxPreps Beach Volleyball National and State Champion is adding another accolade to her list: a TJ Maxx ‘Maxx You Project’ sponsorship that will partner her with two-time Olympian, rugby player and social media star Ilona Maher to help further the reach of Satterwhite’s nonprofit, Serving up Shoes.
“We collect [shoes] from local colleges or whoever has any extra shoes, like lightly used or brand new,” Satterwhite said of Serving up Shoes. “I get to interact with all the kids, either share some wisdom or encouragement and help them continue on their sports journey.”
Satterwhite, who has run the nonprofit since she was just a freshman in high school, credits her mother for supporting and guiding her journey to USC.
“Growing up with a single mom, and not having as many resources as kids around me… her drive and empowerment that I felt growing up and all the constant support really instilled something in me, that I really wanted to give back to my community.”
And that community is getting bigger. With the sponsorship from the Maxx You Project secured, Satterwhite has her eyes set on expanding her project to LA to provide shoes and athletic equipment for even more kids.
The Maxx You Project is very much not a scam; it is an initiative sponsored by TJ Maxx that provides financial and social support for women who aim to make an impact in their community. Satterwhite was one of 10 women chosen for the sponsorship, which she hopes will allow her to expand her nonprofit’s reach from her hometown of Gulf Coast, Florida to LA.
“LA is such a powerhouse for sports,” she said. “There’s so many kids that are underserved… this would be the perfect opportunity and place to grow this mission.”
Aside from the sponsorship, Satterwhite was partnered with new mentor Maher, bronze medalist for Team USA in women’s rugby sevens at Paris 2024 and certified social media mogul. Maher will continue connecting with Satterwhite to determine the best avenues of support for her mission.
“Just getting to talk to her and pick her brain a little bit about community and giving back was amazing,” Satterwhite said.
If you can’t catch USC beach volleyball in action at the Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Beach Classic in Honolulu starting February 19, you can watch them kick off the Battle for Los Angeles at home against CSUN on February 27.