We love the game of volleyball because it takes all team members to give it life. It doesn't matter who was a starter, recorded the most kills, served aces, or dug the most balls – the building and the feeling of teamwork, the bonds forged is what will be remembered most. From the beginning of the season, the goal was clear: to win the CISAA Championship. This intention could have easily caused an overly competitive and pressure-filled environment; however, the opposite occurred. I would personally like to thank Hank, Michael, Jeremy, Jacob, Parker, Campbell, Patrick, Clayton, Matthew, Tyler, Clinton, Brandon, and Ms. Harris for their support, time, energy, enthusiasm, and for making our team feel like a family.
The 2022 U16 Volleyball season began with an exhibition game against UCC. While it is always difficult to start the season away, and at an opponent's Homecoming, the team was able to come together, improve, have fun, and mount a straight-sets victory. This trend would continue throughout the regular season, with the boys garnering a 7-0 league record. To prepare for the playoffs, the team entered two tournaments. Playing against the best junior teams from Peel, Halton, York, and LOSSA, the boys had their volleyball and teamwork skills put to the test. In both tournaments, we went undefeated in pool play and made it to the semifinals without dropping a set. We met Uxbridge Secondary School in both semifinals and suffered our first losses. While the team was hoping for an undefeated season, a lot of good came out of losing to the eventual champs in both tournaments. Each player cemented their resolve, found even greater support in their team, and played as hard as they could for the remainder of the season. After finishing first in the league, we had the opportunity to host the CISAA Final Four. As November 5h rolled around, we knew regardless of the opponent, regardless of the score, regardless of our lineup, we were going to be successful because we put in the time, the effort, the hard work, and focused on the simple things. We finished the season the way we began. Beating RSGC and UCC in straight sets on our way to our third consecutive CISAA U16 Volleyball Championship. As each team member received their gold medal, it was amazing to see every one of them celebrated for doing their best, being their best, and forming the best team I've coached in the last ten years. Congratulations, boys!
This year's U16 Volleyball MIP was one of our team's two setters. While he only played for half of each rotation, his impact each game was invaluable. Over the course of the season, he worked on his technique to push the ball further outside, improved his volleyball IQ to set the best player in each situation, and generated multiple service runs every set. By the end of the year, he cemented his "defence first" mindset and showcased some great digging in our second tournament and CISAA Final Four. He learned to keep a calm head on the court and always showcased a selfless attitude. As a grade 9, he will be counted on to help lead the team next year. The U16 Volleyball MIP is Brandon Sun This year's U16 Volleyball MVP was our on-court captain and the heart and soul of the team. Each day we practiced late and hard, his attitude and commitment helped keep energy and focus high. He could always be counted on for an awkward word during a timeout or before a set, and when in doubt all he needed to say was "slay" to get an instant morale boost from the team. After beating UCC in the championship, their coach approached me to congratulate us on our victory. He told me to prepare for the game, he asked a different varsity member to attend their practice. They taped a number 9 on their shirts and asked them to hit from every position and "terrorize" the team. He brings excellence to the court, which is only matched by his leadership and care for his teammates. The U16 Volleyball MVP is Hank Heider.
Story by Anthony Gilroy, U16 Volleyball Coach
