Sports is arguably the most unifying discipline in the world, bringing together individuals from different races, financial backgrounds, religions, tribes and even families.
It has also aided many individuals to triumph over adversity and become role models in different corners of the globe.
For Malkia Strikers star player, Sharon Chepchumba, her childhood was not a walk in the park, but sports helped her raise her bar higher.
Chepchumba experienced a lot of challenges, particularly when her parents, Simon Kiprono and Janet Osundwa separated.
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"I don’t have good memories of my childhood. I was raised by my grandparents from my mother’s side. My grandmother later died and there was no way I was going to be raised by my grandfather. So, I reunited with my mother.
“It was not easy as my mother had to fend for us. I’m happy that we are now a close-knit family,” she recently told Nation.
According to the Kwanthanze Girls High School alumni, her parents later reunited thanks to her volleyball prowess.
Chepchumba also fell in love with volleyball by luck as she used to play as a football goalkeeper during her childhood years.
In fact, the beautiful game played a role in her admission to the former national school games football champions, TarTar Girls High School.
It was during one of the school holidays that she met her neighbour, Lilian Lelei, who advised her to ditch football for volleyball.
Chepchumba heeded Lelei’s advice and joined Kwanthanze Girls Secondary School, a volleyball powerhouse located in the Eastern region.
It was at Kwanthanze that her volleyball skills were sharpened by none other than Justine Kigwari, a respected coach in East and Central Africa.
After completing her post-primary education, Chepchumba signed for Kenya Prisons where she had a short stint before joining Kenya Pipelines.
The right attacker is currently under contract with KBC women's volleyball team.
At the 2022 Africa Club Championships staged in Kelibia, Tunisia, her eye-catching performances saw her crowned the tournament’s most valuable player.
She has also been a key player for Malkia Strikers, earning call-ups since making her debut. The ever-smiling ace has helped the Kenyan queens to bag a couple of trophies including the African title.
Soon, several top European and African clubs began to seek her services.
Some of the clubs that were interested in her services include the Egyptian side Zamalek and a number of clubs in Rwanda, Italy, Morocco, and Greece.
Chepchumba is currently in Europe with Malkia Strikers ahead of the upcoming 2022 FIVB World Volleyball Championships to be co-hosted by Poland and Netherlands.
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