Linsdey Berg: Playing From The Heart

My name is Lindsey Berg. I was born and raised in the incredible volleyball state of Hawaii. My volleyball skills then took me to Minnesota for college, the Olympics three times, and all over the world playing professionally. After retiring five years ago from the sport, it is finally time for me to give back to you in a way that you deserve.

Stay tuned to my INSIDERS blog here at SportStars. I’ll be sharing more stories, profiles, videos and lots of love…

Cuore is the Italian word for Heart. Founder Lindsey Berg was often cited for playing with all heart to make up for her lack of stature on the court. In addition to this and because she renewed her love for the game while playing in Italy, this is a project directly from her heart. Lindsey has aptly named this endeavor THE CUORE PROJECT. Pronounced ‘Kwore, Italian for “Heart”.

Dear Volleyball,

It is finally time for me to give back to you in a way that you deserve. From the first time I met you I couldn’t take my eyes off of you. I always wanted to be with you. Of course, I have to give my Dad the credit he deserves for introducing me to you. You and him were best friends as well.

Thank you for bringing out my athleticism, leadership, and work ethic. The people I met, interacted, and developed friendships with, I wouldn’t have without you.

The smiles, laughs, tears, screams, and of course multiple surgeries (wink!) wouldn’t have happened without you.

You took me to the coldest place ever, Minnesota, then all around the world. You allowed my family to share priceless experiences with me, including three Olympics and two Silver medals. I have put all of my heart and passion into THE CUORE PROJECT. And I am determined to share, educate, and inspire young athletes all around the world.

I couldn’t have done it without you.

So here I am, ready to give back to you.

THE CUORE PROJECT will explore the lives of more than 30 athletes fighting to make the 2020 Olympics. And it will call on past Olympians to share their stories and experiences of how they made it that far.

Advice, lessons, laughs, struggles, and the time of their lives.

THE CUORE PROJECT will travel overseas, visit the USA Gym, and cover as many tournaments as possible in order to continue to inspire, and make today’s athletes more visible, more tangible to the future ones.

You and I can change so many lives by providing these young athletes with role models. The two weeks of the Olympics can’t achieve this for our sport. What I envision is timeless and transcendent.

Since last October, and from now until the 2020 Olympics, my goal is for every young player to know not only every Olympic Team member’s name, but also the ones that worked so hard and fell a little short.

To have a favorite player to relate to through the experiences they have both been through.

Volleyball, you have been my heart (CUORE) for so long, and you deserve THE CUORE PROJECT.

Con Cuore,

Lindsey “Napela” Berg