As we wind down athletic banquets, we reflect on the past seasons to progress for the future. We check our notes, have staff discussions and start those conversations to help refine ourselves for a more sharp season ahead.
I’m particularly proud of our Niagara College Knights Women’s Volleyball team this past season. Not just because of the outcome (a bronze medal finish at the OCAA’s), but because of the attention to detail as a staff. The road to rose gold was one I feel we (the whole program) kept our finger on the pulse.
At the beginning of the season, we were able to have regular discussions with Head Coach Steve Stone. We chatted about our stretch goals, who we thought were likely to make an impact on the court, potential issues we foresaw from previous season feedback, how we would recognize these issues and then possible solutions to navigate the chaos. These “war room” style discussions are ones we feel help keep us all on the right track; Coach Stone was never one to shy away from an opportunity to collaborate. The plan was made and ready for action.
But it’s not enough for the coaches to have the vision be clear, it needed to be translated to the players. Many of which we’ve worked with in the past, but still, it never hurts to have some redundancy with messaging to ensure clarity. So that’s what we did.
We briefed the ladies on the game plan; helping them understand some of the “whys” and “hows” as we work the method through the madness. From there, we got to work. Week in and week out, the team kept hammering. What makes the largest impact in most performance areas will always be the ability to be consistent, and they make sure to always check that box.
Now, was it all sunshine and rainbows? Of course not. But it’s not supposed to be perfect. When the red flags were flying, we were ready. As a team, we prepared for obstacles. Whether it was concussions, ankle injuries, or good ol’ jumper’s knee, the entire staff were able to pivot to respond.
What I’m particularly proud of is how the issues were interpreted by the players. Instead of just avoiding the problems, many sought solutions. They would ask what they could do instead of stating that they couldn’t. THAT is what matters; being solutions driven instead of excuse dependent. We worked together to find a way through.
As the season went on, we kept regular communications with Coach Stone. We had touchpoints to meet and review the numbers. We made a priority to look at the schedule, look at performance KPIs of the players and see what adjustments, either in the lineup or in the weight room, needed to be made. We planned for what games mattered, which ones we could work through and how we would know if we were on track. We did our best to take as much off the table outside our control off the table.
When playoffs started, we decided to do a testing week right before our first game. Most players actually saw slight improvements compared to the start of the season and some even PRd their jumps! We found this to be a great positive reinforcement to help set the tone; we were ready to prove ourselves as the best in Ontario.
Now, I won’t lie, we had some barn burners to start our run. I had my head in my hands a time or two; we sometimes fell to the level of our competition at times. But, we executed a reverse sweep in our qualifying game and then a 3-1 victory in our quarterfinal match, punching our ticket to the Final 4. Compared to last season, we were already ahead.
For those that don’t know, Humber College has been a powerhouse for volleyball ever since I can remember. They were undefeated this season to this point. Our girls were battle tested and ready to go.
I wish I could say we had a Cinderella story moment against them, but alas, we lost in our semifinal game. But, a small victory came from us taking a set off of them, something we haven’t done all year. If nothing else, we proved to ourselves that we were in fact capable of competing against the best. Now, we had to turn our focus to our bronze medal match against Fanshawe.
For me, I always get fired up for medal matches. I mean it’s hard not to. What made this game special was seeing a few graduating players shine like rockstars against the formidable Fanshawe Falcons team, Montanna Taylor got the game winning point to seal the deal in a 3 set victory. The ladies did it; OCAA bronze medallists, the first medal in years.
As support staff, we sit in the shadows. In fact I’d argue that’s where we thrive. You invest as much as you can into your athletes and when it comes to fruition, well, you hope you’re there to catch a ray of light shining off of them that day. It’s the greatest feeling in the world.
With this particular group, we knew the potential and how capable we were. It was great being able to prove it. Coach Stone got Niagara College Coach of The Year award and Montanna Taylor got Niagara College Female Athlete of The Year. The ladies were Team of the Year.
It may not have been a fairytale ending, but our road to rose gold was carved out brick by brick; every day we stacked another. The resiliency and dedication to excellence was unparalleled this season by this group of young women. Everything, the good and the bad, we navigated together. We over Me, Us over I. Now, we look to the future. Building another road, a path to greatness.
The best is yet to come.
Matrixx
