Charles Hays Secondary's senior girls volleyball team was in action, earlier in October, at the Hawaii/Canada Thanksgiving Challenge.
Despite the heat and very high humidity, the girls played well against all four teams. Although they finished with a 1-7 win-loss record, the chance to play this calibre of volleyball throughout the tournament gave the girls a stiff reminder of the work needed to be put in to get to the next level.
"The games were fast paced and of a higher calibre than anything they'd seen within our zone this year," said coach Jacqueline Jackson. As the tournament wore on, the Rainmakers became more comfortable with the pace of play and that was evident as the rallys became longer and longer. In honour of Canadian Thanksgiving, the host team, McKinley, had a potluck dinner for the teams. The Rainmakers got to sit down with the Hawaiian players, chat and learn about each other's cultures. Friendships were made and Instagram information was exchanged.
The trip didn't only consist of volleyball related activities - the girls were able to take advantage of the culture, infrastructure, and the amazing scenery that Hawaii has to offer. Attending a University of Hawaii Rainbow Wahine Volleyball match, snorkeling in Hanauma Bay, hiking Diamond Head, attending Germaine's Luau, zip-lining on the North Shore and surfing in Waikiki were all experiences that can only happen while on the island. The hope is that these young ladies use this experience to spur them on to all of the opportunities available if they continue on the path of sport, in a post-secondary setting.
Coach Jackson elaborated on the trip and the people who made it happen.
"We wouldn't have been able to do this amazing trip if it wasn't for the support of our school administration and teachers – for their extra time organizing student work and supporting our many fundraising efforts. A BIG MAHALO (thank you) goes out to Second Avenue Medical Clinic, Prince Rupert Grain, Northern Savings Credit Union Insurance Ltd, Rupert Disposal, Dr. Nel, Farwest Sports, Safeway and Dr. Pyde for their financial donations towards our trip," she said.
You can catch the senior girls' volleyball team in action this weekend at home at Charles Hays Secondary School.