New eastside volleyball court open thanks to generosity of local couple

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A newly opened outdoor volleyball court in the small village of Pagai, located on the eastern side of the island, will serve as a venue for tournaments and training programs sanctioned by the American Samoa Volleyball Association (ASVBA).

The new international standard-size court surrounded by a 3-meter-wide free zone on all sides, lies within a cemented area measuring 60 feet in length and 30 feet wide. It includes space for team warm-ups and seating for spectators surrounding the area.

According to ASVBA President Ben Solomona Vaomu Sauvao, the new facility has materialized thanks to the generosity, support, and vision of Paul Von Dinklage and his wife, Pam.

"It was the topic of many conversations and discussions with Mr. and Mrs. Von Dinklage," Sauvao revealed. "They are active and enthusiastic members of our association who believe that sports play an important part in the development of young people, not only physically but also mentally. 

"They should know because their six children grew up playing and excelling in sports. The demanding physical preparation and mental discipline they adhered to have shaped them into the successful and reliable adults they are today.

"They wanted to transform the homegrown volleyball court where they and their children played with relatives and village youth over the years into a full-blown, international-sized cement court with all the necessary features for official competitions. 

"Using their own money with a little assistance I was able to provide, their brainchild has become a reality. Of course, this dream would not have come to fruition without God's help, and I thank Him for the honor I've had to be a part of this project, which is a significant milestone for the sport of volleyball in the Territory."

In an exclusive interview, Paul Von Dinklage acknowledged his wife's unwavering commitment to their project, securing her family's blessing to build the new facility on communal land called Uto'ofili.

He highlighted that the new outdoor volleyball court has been named "Dr. Levine's Court of Champions" in honor of her late father. 

The late Dr. Levine Tupe was a dedicated educator. He served as principal of Olosega and Alofau Elementary Schools before being appointed Director of the Drug-Free Program, then Deputy Director of Elementary Education. His final role at the Department of Education was as the Director of the School Lunch Program. Dr. Tupe retired after more than 30 years of service, leaving behind a lasting legacy.

He added that they hope it will help develop and nurture the talent of young, up-and-coming volleyball players living in the eastern part of the island, where flat land for sports fields and facilities is scarce.

"Pagai is one of the smallest villages in Tutuila, but we have produced many giants in the game of volleyball," Paul stated proudly. "All of them began playing right here. That is why Pagai is called '51 State' or 'the 51st State!' Incidentally, 51 State is the name of our village volleyball team that will be competing in the 2024 Moso'oi International Tournament, which culminates this Saturday."

This showcases the strong volleyball heritage of Pagai and the pride the villagers take in their achievements.

East side volleyball players face off for the first time on the newly opened outdoor volleyball court called Dr. Levine's Court of Champions in Pagai village after the grand opening on the recent Columbus Day Holiday. [courtesy photo]

A few All-Star players who used to play for 51 State/East Siders over the years include Lolah Ala'imaleata, Emele Tulafono, Naima Tulafono, Fetaui Tiatia (who earned a full scholarship to play volleyball in Wentworth Missouri), Panapasi Taala, and MercedesTuia.

Mrs. Pam Von Dinklage reflected on the early days when they started playing on the grass. When it turned muddy from the rain, they brought in sand from the beach to cover it. 

She mentioned that all their children, their friends, and the youth of their village and neighboring villages began learning the basics of volleyball at their homegrown court. Most of them went on to college on sports scholarships and have since become successful in their respective fields.

Of their six children—two girls and four boys—one is a teacher, another one is working in the mainland, three are currently serving in the military and the youngest is currently studying at the American Samoa Community College (ASCC).

Both daughters earned full athletic scholarships. The eldest, Pauline Von Dinklage-Mapu attended Maputo New Mexico Military Institute, where she earned her AA, and then went on to Dixie State, where she played volleyball and earned her BA. 

Last year, she was selected for the American Samoa national women's volleyball team that competed in the 2023 Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands. She is currently a member of the US Navy Women's Volleyball Team, where she is known as the 'Beast' on the court. She was also selected for the All-Star Military Team, which will be traveling to Germany and other countries.

Second eldest, Pamalyeen Von Dinklage-Sevaaetasi, earned a full athletic scholarship to Wentworth Military Academy in Missouri. She has an AA from ASCC and is currently working on her BA with the University of Manoa CoHort Program. She is also currently a SPED teacher.

The third and eldest of the boys, Paul Von Dinklage Jr., is currently working on the mainland after a stint in the US Army. 

Fourth eldest, Posakasima 'PK' Von Dinklage, is in the US Air Force and will be trying out for the Air Force Men's Volleyball Team. 

Paullevine Von Dinklage, the fifth of their children, is currently serving in the US Marine Corps, while the youngest, Prince Von Dinklage, is beginning his tertiary studies at ASCC.

"We have been involved in developing young talent on this part of the island since our kids were young teenagers," she said. "But it's been very hard trying to get the support of parents. We literally have been going from house to house trying to garner support and convince them to bring their kids to our training programs.

"We explain to them the benefits of sports for the younger generations: it keeps them physically fit and active, keeps them away from drugs and alcohol, and more importantly, shapes and molds their mentality and character to always strive for excellence in whatever they do in life.

"Slowly, parents are starting to realize the importance and positive impact of sports in their children's lives, especially if it can provide them with a scholarship to fund their college education. It has been very encouraging, and last year our junior volleyball club team, East Siders, won the ASVBA Junior Volleyball Tournament."

She gratefully acknowledged the support of their district Faipule, Representative Luaitaua Gene Pan, who provided transportation for the team. She admitted that running the junior development program has been financially challenging, as they have to pick up most of their players for training and take them home, as well as provide drinks and snacks.

"But knowing that it will have a positive impact on their lives makes it all worthwhile," she said.

Paul and Pam Von Dinklage have been dedicated to junior volleyball development programs for many years. From 2000 to 2004, they coached elementary school boys and girls, ages 8-12. 

From 2004 to 2010, they coached the Fagaitua High School Girls Volleyball JV and Varsity teams, and even formed their own volleyball club, providing their high school players with valuable exposure and experience competing in the ASVBA Women's Division. Their unwavering commitment has significantly impacted the local volleyball scene.

Pam recalled that she and her husband had long dreamed of building a permanent outdoor volleyball court. They discussed their vision with ASVBA President Ben Sauvao, National Coach Reno Amisone, and ASVBA Executive Tevita Prescott, aiming to create a base for training and development programs for junior players on the eastern side of the island.

Last month, they finally began work on the project, investing about $17,000 of their own money. Pam acknowledged the assistance of ASVBA President Ben Sauvao, who provided the machinery to level the area and the asphalt needed for construction.

On the recent Columbus Day public holiday, the grand opening of the "Dr. Levine Court of Champions" took place. Family, friends, parents, and ASVBA officials, led by President Ben Sauvao, were in attendance to celebrate this significant milestone.

In his remarks, President Sauvao expressed his gratitude to Paul and Pam Von Dinklage for their sacrifice and dedication to developing young volleyball players. He emphasized how their commitment goes beyond the sport, creating a lasting positive impact on the lives of these young athletes.