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