We had the good fortune of connecting with Amanda Bailey and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amanda, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
Atomic Volleyball Club exists to develop more than just volleyball players – we are committed to building confident, discipline, and resilient young athletes who will become leaders in their schools, families and communities.

As a nonprofit organization, out mission is centered on accessibility and athlete development, rather than profit. Any funds generated are reinvested directly into the club to help keep costs as affordable as possible for families while improving the experience for our athletes through coaching education, training opportunities, equipment, and team activities.

We believe youth sports should be available to families from all backgrounds. By operating as a nonprofit, we work to remove financial barriers while providing a positive atmosphere. Our goal is to create strong athletes, strong teammates, and strong young women who carry these lessons on and off the court.

Two smiling women taking a selfie in front of a colorful sports-themed background, one with long straight hair and the other with long wavy hair.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My professional journey has never followed a straight line. I’ve spent my career building skills in project management, operations, leadership, accounting and business administration. All while balancing the responsibilities of marriage, motherhood and community involvement. Every role I’ve held has taught me something valuable about accountability, communication, and serving others.

Starting and operating Atomic Volleyball Club has been one of the most rewarding and challenging experiences of my career. It certainly has not been easy! Building a club from the ground up requires countless hours behind the scenes. Most of what I do is not physically seen. It requires making difficult decisions, financial sacrifices, and the willingness to move forward even when things aren’t going as planned. Anytime things get tough or uncertain, Tory and I circle back to the athletes. The reason we are here. And we push through for them.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that leadership is not about having all the answers. It’s about showing up consistently, making the best decisions you can with the information you have, and being willing to learn through mistakes and make changes.

What I want people to know about me and Atomic Volleyball, is that our mission has always been bigger than volleyball. We are committed to developing young athletes, and we prioritize that commitment.

Our story is not one of overnight success. It’s a story of persistence, community, and believing that youth sports can make a lasting impact. If there is one message I hope others take away, it’s that meaningful things are built one day, one challenge, and one relationship at a time.

Group of five people standing together against a white background, smiling, with arms linked or by their sides.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If a friend were visiting Forney, I would make sure to take them through downtown to shop the boutiques, and visit the many antique shops. Some great places to eat are Mama’s Daughters’ Diner, Stash’s Table and Fable, the new Forney Brewing Company. A great spot for a sweet treat would be Latham’s Bakery.

Forney is close to Lake Ray Hubbard, so we would do all the lake activities and walk through the Harbor there.

Then there’s Dallas that is only about 25 minutes from Forney. We would visit the Arboretum, The Sixth Floor Museum, maybe spend some time in Bishop Arts for the shops.

There are so many amazing restaurants in Dallas, but my favorite is The Henry!

Group of female volleyball players celebrating on court, wearing teal uniforms, with spectators in the background.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout would be to my Co-Owner Tory Allen, who started this vision. Tory began as a parent, providing a place for his daughter to grow in her love for the sport of volleyball. He quickly fell in love and began coaching. Several years in, he saw an opportunity to turn this passion into something bigger. With his knowledge of coaching, and my administrative/accounting background, we knew we could make the vision come to life.

Tory has the biggest heart and invests so much of his time and energy into our athletes. It is not just volleyball to him. It is connection, care, and lasting relationships.

Website: https://www.atomicvolleyballclub.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atomic.volleyball.club/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092982555508

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@atomic.volleyball?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Two people standing on a volleyball court, smiling, with a net and blue bleachers in the background.

Group of six people standing on a basketball court, smiling, with three women in front and three men behind, all in casual sportswear.

Group of nine young female volleyball players in team uniforms on indoor court, holding a trophy, smiling.

Two female volleyball players near the net, one jumping to hit the ball, others watching, indoor court setting.

Image Credits
Ty Anderson – Game Day Media
O and D Sports Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.