Lightning Set To Spike Into Volleyball Nationals
By Robert Thomas
“As coaches we are really impressed with the girls this season,” head coach Malinda Streuby of the Thunder Creek Volleyball Club’s 15U female Lightning squad said.
Streuby was talking about the club’s run this year that saw the team ending up placing eighth in the province.
A run that sees the Lightning seeded 44th out of 157 teams headed to Volleyball Canada’s national championships this weekend in Regina.
“We’re very excited,” she said calling the trip to Regina “a once in lifetime opportunity and we’re just thrilled by it.”
“To be ranked in the top one third of the teams nationally, across Canada, is a great achievement.”
For Streuby the Lightning’s season was one where the character and skills of the players in the end shone through.
The team managed to find itself move up a tier headed into provincials. The Lightning moved to the top tier and in 10th place.
After the provincial playoffs the Lightning ended up in 8th place with Streuby pointing out that the team almost made it into the medal round.
About the nationals this weekend she points out the Lightning is headed into the final weekend of the season on a high note.
“There was a lot of energy at our last practice last night,” she said speaking to MJ Independent about Monday evening’s practice.
“Having coached and participated in sports for a number of years these girls are very positive and work hard…as a coaching staff we’re thrilled heading to nationals.”
Streuby stressed it is not just the players but her three assistant coaches - Amy Cruz, Jason Roney and McKenna Simmons - who were equally important in the team’s success.
She spoke highly about Simmons - a grade 12 student - who came to help out.
“She is a tremendous role model who brought a lot of positivity and energy into our team.”
Player parents have been highly supportive to the Lightning.
The team itself is made up of a cross section of girls ranging from Grade Seven to Grade Ten. Meaning there are a number of players who are underage and playing in a higher division age wise.
Despite the age range of the Lightning players Streuby said each player brings something to the team.
“Every single girl brings a unique skill set and strength to the team.”
One of the biggest strengths for the Lightning is that most of the team play and excel in other sports.
“There is a willingness to adapt and work hard by the girls,” she said.
Streuby said although they have not played against any of the teams they’re scheduled to play that the Lightning has an opportunity to move up and potentially medal in the division they are entered in.
Each division will have a gold medal up for grabs.
She is philosophical but given a good run the Lightning has the ability to ride the momentum to a medal finish.
The Lightning kick off the Canadian 15U Ladies volleyball championships this Friday morning at 8:30 am at the Regina Exhibition grounds (REAL) and Streuby said it’s “an awesome opportunity for young volleyball players to go down there and have something to do and watch the calibre of play on the weekend.”
The team is also scheduled to play at 10:45 am and at 1:15 pm on Friday.
The Lightning will be joined by their TCVC sister team the Thunder at nationals this weekend.
The Thunder’s first game goes at 7:30 am on Friday.