Living in a rural area, Len saw how difficult it can be for kids to access club sports and other opportunities. Most programs require families to travel 40–50 miles or more to find a team, practice, or tournament.
That distance, combined with time and cost, limits participation.
Len’s daughter, Sarah, began playing club volleyball in fifth grade and is now a college freshman. Len and his wife, Shannon, spent years driving multiple nights each week to practices, navigating winter weather, traveling across the region for tournaments, and managing the financial commitment.
Through that experience, they recognized many kids in their community did not have the same opportunity, not due to lack of interest, but because access was not available.
In 2024, Len and Shannon founded Minnesota Warriors Volleyball. What began as a $2,000 investment to give a few girls a place to play has grown into a full program with free uniforms, in-floor nets, sound systems, and strong community support.
“We built the program to remove those barriers, bring volleyball closer to home, reduce the burden on families, and create opportunities for kids in rural communities to participate, develop, and compete,” said Minnesota Warriors Director Len Dohm. “In our first year, we grew from nothing into a full program with competitive teams, developmental opportunities, and community-based events. More importantly, we created a place where kids feel they belong and have a real chance to succeed.”
Minnesota Warriors now offers multiple programs, including Warrior Blue (competitive), Warrior Grey (recreational), and Warrior Heart, designed to bring individuals with disabilities and veterans onto the court. With support from the JVA Grant Program, Warrior Heart launched this season and includes free adaptive volleyball clinics, inclusive physical activity games, and confidence-building coaching. The program uses sensory-friendly equipment, trained volunteers, and community outreach to deliver accessible programming during the winter months.
Warrior Heart developed through relationships.
Through Minnesota Warriors, Len connected with a local Special Olympics team, the Faribault County Giants, who primarily participate in bowling next to the facility. Len volunteered with the team over the winter.
“I met some of the most incredible athletes I’ve ever been around. Their energy, positivity, and effort stayed with me. That experience led to a simple question: why does it have to stop at bowling?”
That question led to the creation of Warrior Heart, focused on providing more opportunities for individuals with special needs to stay active, build relationships, and be part of a program.
Today, Warrior Heart is led by a dedicated team.
“Brenda Smith is a driving force behind the program. She consistently brings people together and moves the program forward. Shannon Dohm is also instrumental, working alongside Brenda to organize events, plan activities, coordinate logistics, and ensure everything is ready for the athletes. Together, they are the foundation of Warrior Heart,” said Len.
Minnesota Warriors promotes Warrior Heart through social media, including Facebook and Instagram, as well as word of mouth through families, caregivers, and community networks. The program partners with organizations such as LEEP in Mankato, the Faribault County Giants, Elmore Assisted Living, and Bravo Zulu House.
The goal is to expand impact and establish Warrior Heart as a regional hub in southern Minnesota and northern Iowa for inclusive programming and community events.
“JVA has played a critical role through the Grant Program, allowing us to purchase adaptive equipment and expand our offerings,” said Len. “Our experience with JVA has been exceptional. The organization is responsive, supportive, and provides valuable resources for running a volleyball program. The JVA Grant Program has directly impacted our ability to grow Warrior Heart.”
For those considering starting a similar program, Len emphasizes taking action.
“Reach out to local organizations, build relationships, and start small. The impact will grow over time.”
Minnesota Warriors, based in Winnebago, Minnesota, is a member of Junior Volleyball Association, the only national association 100 percent focused on junior volleyball and the needs of the club community. JVA’s mission is to improve the junior volleyball experience. Founded in 2006 by Club Directors for Club Directors, JVA supports more than 1,700 member clubs with resources, events, education, and advocacy that help the sport grow in the right direction. With a focus on innovation and inclusivity, JVA empowers clubs to lead with purpose on and off the court while delivering an unmatched event experience at JVA hosted tournaments. Learn more at www.jvavolleyball.org and follow @jvavolleyball on Instagram.
