Volleyball Tournament Raises Scholarship Funds

The Kim Blankinship volleyball tournament will be held Sunday on the Hermosa Pier sand. Named after local volleyball star Kim Blankinship, who died at the age of 31 in October 2006, the tournament is to unite local athletes in her memory.

"Approximately 100 female athletes competing in honor of one of the best female athletes from the South Bay, and one of the greatest persons I have ever known," said Kim Blankinship Scholarship committee member Nathan Jones.

The tournament, established in 2007, was organized to raise money for scholarships named after the late athlete.

Blankinship was a standout athlete at Torrance High, collecting 12 varsity letters, and Loyola Marymount University, where she continued her athletic career as an outside hitter for the Lions' women's volleyball team from 1993 to 1996. 

She led LMU to three West Coast Conference titles and three NCAA postseason appearances. In her senior season, Blankinship led the Lions to the NCAA Sweet 16 and a final ranking of ninth in the nation, and was the third athlete in LMU history to earn an All-American honors. She also was LMU female athlete of the year and WCC co-player of the year.

After Blankinship's passing, her family created a memorial scholarship in her name, which awards deserving female multi-sport athletes, and $1,000 to one student from each of the Torrance high schools (North, South, West and Torrance) annually. Additionally, $500 scholarships are given to a female athlete from each of the sports Kim played at Torrance High — volleyball, soccer, and track and field.

The volleyball tournament on Sunday will be a four-team format consisting of two divisions:  women's (18+) and high school (2010 Juniors and below).  Last year, 10 women's teams and 12 high school teams competed in the event. 

Tournament entry is still available, which costs $150 per team. To learn more, please visit: http://www.kbvolleyball.com/register