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SALINAS, Calif. -- The North Salinas High School gym was completely packed on Saturday for the dedication of a new $60,000 beach volleyball court. It was dedicated by Olympic medalist Kerri Walsh Jennings who just came back from London.
Hundreds of fans were at the ceremony. The crowd roared as three time Olympic gold medalist Kerri Walsh Jennings entered the school. For many fans it was their dream to see her, but it was also Kerri's dream to be here. "It's a really big day for me and it's something that I'm really proud of. I love sharing my sport and I'm excited for today," said Walsh Jennings.
Kerri has been working with the Good Tidings Foundation for the past 8 years. The foundation helped build the new volleyball court. All three years Kerri has won a gold medal they've dedicated a new sand volleyball court. Kerri told Central Coast news the new court was dedicated in Salinas to provide more opportunities for students who live here. "We're in Salinas today and not that you'd necessarily put a sand volleyball with Salinas, but from now on you will and I'm really proud to be part of that," said Walsh Jennings.
It was a monumental day for all the students. Kerri even came out to play a couple games of volleyball with some of the high school students. I was really glad I was on her team instead of against her," said Riley Ashen.
Kerri hopes her visit inspires kids to follow their dreams. "You have to have the courage to dream to have a goal and then you have to have the courage to chase it," said Walsh Jennings.
You can already tell these students already have that message in mind. "I want to be her someday. I want to be up in the Olympics playing what I love," said Alyssa Pepple.
Before Kerri left, she told several of her fans never to give up on their goals and continue to work hard to get them. Many of the kids left feeling inspired. "It doesn't matter how tall you are, it doesn't matter what's all on paper, it just matters how big you play," said Ashen.
