OUR HISTORY

1989. Oak Lawn. Six teams. One vision.

It began on Sunday afternoons—a dedicated group of gay enthusiasts united by a love for the game. Recognizing the power of their connection, they founded the Dallas Independent Volleyball Association (DIVA).

From those early serves, we have grown into a powerhouse community. Over three decades later, the spirit remains the same: pure passion, total inclusivity, and the joy of the game.

600+ members per season. Seven skill levels. One community.

Whether you’re here to build skills, make friends, or compete at your peak, grab your knee pads—there’s a place for you on our court.

As the largest adult volleyball league in Texas, DIVA offers a structured, competitive home for players of all skill levels.

From learning the fundamentals in our Recreational division to chasing gold at the highest tiers, our seasonal leagues, clinics, and tournaments provide a clear pathway for your growth on the court.

Beyond the game, we are a vibrant community of LGBTQIA+ players and allies, ages 18 to 60+, united by inclusion and respect. By celebrating diversity and hosting regular social events, DIVA provides much more than just organized play—we create a true sense of belonging.

MISSION

DIVA’s core mission is to promote quality amateur volleyball of all levels of play for persons of any sex, race, color, creed, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

We operate as a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer-centric community non-profit with a philanthropic heart, aiming to provide a safe, encouraging, and inclusive space for the LGBTQ+ community and its allies.

VISION

Inclusivity: To be a safe haven where members can be their authentic selves without fear of judgment.

Connection: To uplift members through teaming, sportsmanship, and opportunities for social connection off the court.

Philanthropy: To support the broader community by hosting fundraising events that financially assist other Dallas-Fort Worth LGBTQ+-focused organizations.

Development: To offer structured play for all skill levels—from complete novices to elite travel-team players—across seven distinct competitive divisions.

RAUHMAN BROWNING AWARD

Rauhman Browning was more than a founding member of DIVA; he was its heartbeat. A man of immense integrity and sparkling wit, he possessed the rare ability to charm a room and a dedicated heart that endeared him to everyone he met. Though we lost him in 1993, just three years into our organization's infancy, his vision laid the foundation for the community we cherish today.

Rauhman was the architect behind the Miss DIVA show. However, he never intended it to be merely a pageant or a contest. He envisioned it as a powerful vehicle for philanthropy—a way for a volleyball league to become a force for good in the community. He championed the idea that we could be respected not just for our athletics, but for our hearts. He was, and remains, the true "Spirit of DIVA."

To honor his enduring impact, the Board of Directors permanently renamed the DIVA Hall of Fame to the Rauhman Browning Award. Presented annually at the Spring Awards Banquet, this is the highest honor bestowed upon a non-board member. It is reserved for the individual who best reflects Rauhman’s own qualities: outstanding service, unwavering dedication, and the highest standard of sportsmanship.

Recipients of the Rauhman Browning Award

2026 | Announcing soon!

2025 | Drew Riffe

2024 | Frederick Castillo

2023 | Roland LaBerge

2022 | Dan Dubree

2021 | Award Hiatus (Pandemic)

2020 | Award Hiatus (Pandemic)

2019 | Joel Smith

2018 | Paul Lichnerowicz

2017 | Ruben Viveros

2016 | Lorenzo Guerrero Jr.

2015 | Benjamin Zuniga & Gill Flores

2014 | Josh Pool

2013 | Bill Horn

2012 | Mark Porter

2011 | Greg Smith

2010 | Randy Rhodes & Jack Angier

2009 | Tim Vinzant & John Niles

2008 | Liz Wilson

2007 | Darrel Loveless

2006 | Joel Lazarine & Joe Gallegos

2005 | Phillip Derby

2004 | Alf Dang

2003 | Donny Perry

2002 | Phil Scott & Hayden Mitchell

2001 | Shannon Brown

2000 | David Walker

1999 | Bill Castello

1998 | Sue Gibson

1997 | Bobby Baldwin

1996 | Sal Cervantes

1995 | Tomas Soto

1994 | Brian Pierce

1993 | Bob Calderon

1992 | Tony Miles

Anthony Brooks

Art Fuentes

Charles Bowen

Claudiu Boirberly

Craig Bartels

David Barton

David Larson

Eli Rundell

Ernie Villalobos

Gerry Flores

Greg Smith – Miss DIVA 2001

Greg Trogstad

Hayden Mitchell – Former DIVA Board Member

Ignacio Vasquez

James Allen McCormack

James Dennis

In Remembrance

Joey Jenner

Jim Moore

Jimmy Gonzales – Miss DIVA 1999

Johnnie Brown

Josh Cain

Ken Bartels

Luis Enrique Piña-Narvaez

Paul Blanchard

Patrick Elkender

Rauhman Browning

Ray Barajas

Robert Garza

Roy Camacho – Miss DIVA 1996

Roy Rogers – Miss DIVA 1991

Steve Wyrick

Tim Jacobs – Former DIVA Board Member