A new club volleyball team has been established in Arcola. With the interest of 25 girls in the in the prospect of a newly formed team Coach Eugene Brown was happy take on the task. Along with the help of Teresa Johnston (coach/manager) and Eric Brown (assistant coach) the girls will be learning from highly knowledgeable coaches. Also assisting at practices are Duane Hislop and Kelly Running.
Starting the team because of the great interest in the area "we wanted to make darn sure they all get to play, so there'll be an 18U team in Carlyle and this team we have here," Coach Brown stated. This was a way to accommodate them all.
Coach Brown is developing a 17U team called The Vipers based out of Arcola. Following two highly intense tryouts Brown and his team found 12 girls with much potential. Tryouts were held on Nov. 18 and Nov. 25, both a grueling four hour affair for those interested in making the team. Measuring athleticism and volleyball skills a great amount of data was recorded from each player. Not only were their scores evaluated, but their attitudes throughout the days were also assessed.
"This will hopefully be the most positive team you've ever played on," Coach Brown told the girls during one of the tryouts.
In the end girls from across the area were chosen to form the team ranging in ages from 14 to 16. Mackenzie Henderson (Redvers), Kayla Nelson (Carlyle), Desiray Weber (Carlyle), Breann Damman (Stoughton), Shelby Rose (Manor), Kacey Valentine (Carlyle), Maddi Reed (Rocanville), Jordan Johnston (Arcola), Carlie Standingready (Carlyle), Jordan Gudmundson (Carlyle), Mercedes Singleton (Arcola), and Breanne Dayman (Corning).
The first practice for the team was held on Sunday, Dec. 2 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The positive environment promise was upheld and the girls are all excited for the season to begin in the New Year. The girls all have an extreme amount of potential, which is being tapped into as instruction was given during drills. Many, through the guidance of Coach Brown with input from Eric and Hislop, had improved their skills immensely in a short amount of time.
Fun was also had as Coach Brown kept the practice quite light. His one main rule being the ball should never hit him, playing up an injury following a light touch of the ball to his arm, the girls laughed while doing their sit ups. By the end of practice girls were diving in front of the ball.
In addition to going over a number of needed volleyball skills such as footwork, forearm passing, and overhead passing the group were also taken through a plyometric training program.
When asked about the upcoming season Coach Brown explained they are looking for "the big W," though laughing he corrected himself, "No, no, really we're focused on a high level of skills and to let them learn the game right, so skills are basically dead on."
In addition to developing skilled players through training as a whole and specific position tips they are also focused on delivering information concerning nutrition.
Following practice Coach Brown explained to the girls, "What we saw today here ladies looks really good. The skill set that we saw came a long way."
As a new team they will be looking to fundraise for Saskatchewan Volleyball Association fees, tournament registration fees, uniforms, volleyballs and hotel rooms, which are very costly. Having looked into the costs of each necessity the club has estimated a need of raising $1,000 per athlete. With 12 players on the team, they are looking at raising $12,000 in order to run the team.
Looking for corporate sponsors to partner with the club is one of their hopes as helping to train "these young athletes which may someday be their future employees," is very beneficial, Johnston explained in a note.
In addition to welcoming corporate sponsors, the team will be holding a fundraiser through selling Ottenbreit Meats. Everything from pork chops to smokies, jerky and steak, there are a number of great products available.
"We hope not only to develop great athletes, but also grow people of integrity, work ethic, teamwork, and a positive attitude," Johnston wrote.
