In December 2024, Team Ontario Canada Summer Games coaches had the opportunity to attend the AVCA (American Volleyball Coaches Association) conference in Louisville, Kentucky, coinciding with the excitement of the NCAA Division I Women's Volleyball Final Four. The event not only allowed them to deepen their knowledge of the game but also gave them the chance to bond and collaborate with each other, strengthening their shared vision for the upcoming Canada Summer Games.
One of the key highlights was the informal exchange of ideas and experiences with other volleyball minds. The coaches particularly appreciated the chance to connect outside the structured setting of coaching, learning new perspectives on the game during downtime, especially while watching the semi-final matches. These interactions were invaluable in helping them sharpen their coaching instincts.
Among the most impactful sessions, Karch Kiraly, a volleyball legend, led a session on intentional gameplay, focusing on creating practice situations that directly translate to competition. This was a fan-favorite, with all the Canada Games coaches praising its relevance. Another standout was Tama Miyashiro's talk on eye sequencing, where her authoritative yet fun teaching style left a lasting impression. The central theme that emerged from these sessions was creativity—while there weren't necessarily new skills or technical teachings introduced, coaches were shown innovative ways to run drills that could cater to athletes at various levels of development.
The semi-final matches were a major highlight for the group. The Pitt vs. Louisville match stood out, with both teams executing at an exceptional level. Louisville’s resilience, especially after the injury of Anna DeBeer, was inspiring as others stepped up to fill the void. The athleticism and speed of the women’s game were particularly striking, with the packed 22,000-seat venue buzzing with energy and excitement.
Being part of such an electric atmosphere was unforgettable, and it underscored how far the sport of women’s volleyball has come, both in terms of skill and popularity. Coaches also attended a post-match session where they analyzed statistics and rotational data of the teams, gaining deeper insights into the strategic side of the game.
Ultimately, the trip was an invaluable experience for the coaches, combining top-tier learning opportunities with the chance to witness world-class volleyball in action, all while strengthening their connections to one another as they prepared for the upcoming summer games.