A Giant volleyball success

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This article was published 07/10/2016 (3466 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Success in sports is often defined by wins and losses but for the Elmwood High Giants varsity girls volleyball team the definition is much broader.

The Giants often finish in the bottom half of the standings but when one considers how much the players grow, their seasons still provide valuable experience.

Coach Nancy Baker has a full roster this season, which is a rarity.

“Sometimes I’m in the hallway looking for girls,” Baker said.

Baker is also a gym teacher, so during class she spots players with natural ability and invites them to join the team. Some have never been on a team before, some have played other sports, and some have played volleyball.

“They have a wide range of experience,” Baker said.

She admitted the team’s top players would benefit from more advanced coaching but she has to focus on the basics. A competitive athlete herself, Baker would like to play for a championship but understands the process it takes to get there.

“They’re learning. I see them improving and that’s what makes me feel good. I know I’m teaching them something and they are getting something out of it.”

Baker has many great memories of sport so she knows how important it is to give her players the opportunity to forge their own.

“What do I want to give them? I want to give them that experience of playing, the chance to go to other schools and wear the uniform.”

The Giants are playing in two tournaments this fall, both outside Winnipeg. It gives the players a chance to travel and spend time together, Baker said.

The players are realistic about their potential, Baker said, but are fully committed to giving their best effort.

“I don’t see them getting frustrated because they are on a losing team. I see that they are getting to play with their friends.”

The Giants have had several players who were very shy at the beginning of some seasons, only to be embraced by the team and given a sense of belonging.

“It’s more than volleyball,” Baker said. “These girls relate to each other all the time.”

Morgan Wood agrees.

The Giants captain said she has made friends through sport that she would have never met on her own.

“If I wasn’t in volleyball I wouldn’t have met these people. A lot of these girls I wouldn’t have ever talked to in school. It’s very nice to have that social aspect.”

Baker said Wood is the ideal captain for the environment the coach is trying to create.

“She’s your dream athlete to coach,” Baker said. “She’s coachable, friendly and always helping people out. She’s talented too, a great person to have on your team.

“Morgan’s always smiling.”

Wood serves as a second coach on the floor, helping her more inexperienced teammates line up in the right spots and giving tips between points.

As a veteran, Wood knows the Giants have challenges ahead.

“We know our level. We have high hopes but we’re realistic. We go in with good thoughts because it’s a mental game.”

Like Baker, Wood focuses on the small gains she sees in practice. The team atmosphere is always positive, Wood added.

“Our Grade 11s are very loud and encouraging on the bench. Last year it was quiet but this year it’s not a problem. The girls are so excited and so encouraging. If we miss a point they say ‘Don’t worry cap, we’ll get the next one’.”

Baker acknowledges those gains in a unique way. At the end of each practice she awards the Big Small Ball to a player who did something special that day. The player signs the ball, keeps it until the next practice and suggests an activity at the next practice.

“You should see the smile on their faces,” Baker said.

 “It’s just this little volleyball but they get to sign it and hold onto it.”