Dig some volleyball in Brandon?

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 17/10/2022 (1125 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Physical activity has so many benefits. Being active is fundamental to our physical and mental health. A great way to stay in shape is to make your exercise time fun and enjoyable, such as playing a sport.

Whether it’s with your friends on a weekend, your classmates on a school team, or on a competitive club team in your area, volleyball can be a great way to stay active and have some fun.

Volleyball is a very popular sport in Brandon. Teams are run by most of our elementary schools and all three of our high schools. Brandon is also home to Westman Volleyball Club (ages 12 and up), BU’s Cats program (ages 12 and up), ACC’s Cougars program (ages 17 and up), and BVC volleyball (ages 12 and up) club teams.

To learn more about local experiences with volleyball, I conducted an interview with two of École secondaire Neelin High School’s varsity volleyball players: Tyra Lasuik and J.T. Martine.

Q: How long have you been into sports?

Tyra: I’ve been into sports my whole life.

J.T.: I have been playing sports since I was three years old.

Q: When did you start playing volleyball?

T: I started playing in 2018, on my elementary school’s team and on BU Cats U13 team.

J: I began playing when I was in Grade 4, on the Harrison school team in 2014.

Q: What made you want to start playing volleyball?

T: Honestly, my mom made me go to tryouts and I ended up loving it.

J: I loved to play sports, and volleyball was just another option.

Q: Why did you keep playing? What made you stay?

T: The thrill of a long rally. Being able to get excited with some of your best friends at the end of a rally or after a big kill.

J: I really enjoyed the sport. I liked hitting, setting, and serving especially.

Q: What position do you play? Why did you choose it?

T: I’m a setter. In my position, I’m in charge of getting every second ball and then passing it out to the hitters. Also controlling the offence. I hurt my knee at the first training camp I went to, so they said to try setting and see how I like it and I fell in love with it. All of the coaches I’ve had told me to be a setter.

J: I play libero. I was told to play there by my coach. My job is to play back row only. I’m a defensive specialist, I sub the front row middles out after they serve to play back row defence for them. I am the principal back row player on the court.

Q: What specific skills do you need to play your position?

T: In my opinion, I think you need to be fast, smart with the ball, and have nice, easy hands.

J: You need quick feet, the ability to pass and set, and aggressiveness to go after the ball.

Q: What is your favourite part of volleyball?

T: Being able to celebrate with your friends and the rush of a long rally. Not being sure if the ball will get over the net and giving it your all to get it over there.

J: The thing I enjoy most about volleyball is playing in big, important games.

Q: What would you say is the hardest part?

T: The mental game for sure.

J: Keeping your mental edge. Not getting too low when you mess up, and not getting too high when you get the point.

Q: How is high school volleyball different than elementary?

T: The competitive level and the commitment [required] is very different. Very elevated.

J: High school volleyball is more competitive than middle school. Everyone’s skills are improved in high school, and it is better volleyball in general.

Q: How is playing volleyball in varsity any different than your first time playing?

T: Same as [I said] before, you have to have a lot more dedication to the team. You have to be willing to show up to all the early morning and late-night practices, ready to go.

J: I have improved my game a lot since I first started. The competition is much better in Grade 12.

Q: Do any of the skills you learn in volleyball help you in other sports?

T: The mental game of volleyball helps with everything in my life. What I learn in practice and in games helps a lot with other sports and builds a lot of teamwork skills.

J: Teamwork is huge through all team sports.

Q: Do you use any skills you learn in volleyball in everyday life?

T: The mental part of the game I use every day when dealing with problems.

J: Teamwork is also big in everyday life. It is important to be able to work and play well with others.

Q: Why are sports in general important to you?

T: Sports are the reason I get out of bed and the thing that keeps me going. Without sports, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

J: I love being active and I am a competitive person, and sports provide both of those things. I enjoy volleyball’s competitiveness and point-by-point action.

Q: Can you see volleyball being in your future at all?

T: Maybe post-secondary. I would love to keep playing volleyball after high school.

J: If the opportunity presents itself, I certainly will not turn it down.

Q: How is Neelin volleyball different than club teams?

T: Club teams are a lot more competitive since only the best make the team. There are many more tournaments and the season goes way longer.

Q: Volleyball is very much a mental game. How do you deal with that?

J: In order to stay in the game mentally, you have to be able to reset and focus on the next play and not to dwell on the mistakes. They are in the past, and you cannot change it, just focus on what happens next.

Q: How much time do you spend practising and playing games?

T: I spend about two hours every weekday for volleyball.

J: My team has hour-and-a-half practices four to five times a week, along with a league game and a two-day tournament.

Q: How do you balance your time, energy, and dedication to volleyball with other areas of importance? (Academics, family, work, relationships, etc.)

T: I don’t have a job, so it is easier for me to balance sports and school. I will say that my social life is pretty boring since I spend most of my time with my family, school, and sports.

J: I work hard in school, I show up to all practices and games, and I hang out with my family and friends in all my spare time.

Q: What would you say to someone who is thinking of trying volleyball?

T: For sure, give it a try and keep an open mind when trying it.

J: I would say definitely try volleyball. I would tell them to have fun and the more they play, the more they [will] improve.

» Beth Wilson is a Grade 12 student at École secondaire Neelin High School.