Donald nets ref award
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 11/12/2024 (280 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Local volleyball referee Paige Donald has been recognized for her work on the sidelines, and her officiating career is really only just getting started.
In just her third year as a referee in the sport, the Brandon product was named rural referee of the year at the Volleyball Manitoba year-end awards banquet this past weekend.
Being recognized this early into her career speaks volumes to her potential as an official.
“You don’t really hear those awards going to younger refs so it’s nice but I wasn’t really aware or expecting it,” said Donald. “It’s an honour and definitely a shock.”
“I’ve always been on the path to see let’s how far I can take it. I know when I got my Level 2 certification the thought and feeling was let’s see how far it goes. I know there’s been the odd former coach of mine reach out saying they expect a shout-out when I make it to the Olympics,” Donald added with a chuckle.
The recognition is a result of being recognized by her peers with the Manitoba Volleyball Officials Association (MVOA) for a challenging job, that is often only noticed when truly being tested.
For someone who played at various levels, to be recognized as an official means even more considering the demands that come with officiating.
“It’s certainly thankless. I wanted to be able to grow and learn in the sport. As a player you learn the court side of it. You see things positionally but I really wanted to get a well-rounded perspective of the sport. You learn the rules a lot more in-depth, you learn different perspectives, and just general different areas of the game that you don’t appreciate as a player or coach,” Donald said.
Representatives with the MVOA are quick to praise Donald’s work so far.
“Paige is an aspiring young referee that demonstrates expertise and professionalism. It’s very exciting to see her grow in this role,” said Kevin Newton, MVOA executive member.
“Her potential is limitless because she has a savvy understanding of the game. As someone who has played and coached her knowledge of the game is benefitting her as a referee, which benefits the sport in our area.”
Donald is a legal assistant by trade and also serves as an assistant coach with Crocus Plains basketball and has started officiating basketball as well.
• • •
Other award winners include AAA coach of the year Jill Martine of Neelin, while her trio of seniors Kal-El Wilson, Junior Martine and Kingston Thomas made the A-AAA all-Manitoba team.
Vincent Massey’s Jersey Hansen-Young was named to the AAAA all-Manitoba team as well as the recipient of the Mike Burchuk Female MVP award.
Vikings head coach Kelly DeRoo was named AAAA girls coach of the year, and Massey’s Ethan Baraniuk was named to the AAAA boys all-Manitoba team.
Reston’s Kurt Callander was named the A girls coach of the year while Carberry native Rick Scott of the Elm Creek varsity boys was named boys A coach of the year.
» mpackwood@brandonsun.com