Beginning today, Wednesday, May 16, the U15 Nova Volleyball Club Team is headed to the Edmonton Expo Centre for the Volleyball Canada Nationals.
The team is comprised of eight players hailing from Delia, Drumheller, and Hanna.
Majority of the team has participated in Nationals before but for Kyley Poland it is a completely new and exciting experience.
“I’m excited to actually play and have the experience of it because it’s normally in B.C., and it’s really expensive if you go to B.C.,” said Poland.
Check-in and practices begin Wednesday, May 16 and afterward, the competition begins from Thursday, May 17 to Saturday, May 19.
Teams apply and are placed on a waiting list to play the highly anticipated tournament. The Nova’s were able to snag a spot as they made their way up the list.
Specific divisions determine the level of competition so no team is playing a harder or easier team. This allows for intense competition among them.
“I feel that all of us have heart and hustle in us and we can achieve lots if we really push ourselves,” said Poland.
A bottle drive took place from Monday, April 23 to Tuesday, May 15. The group needed to have at least $1,300 in funds for registration costs alone. A maximum goal of $5,000 would help with expenditures like team suppers, travel, hotels, etc. The team raised approximately $2,050 towards their trip.
“For how much we pay to get into Nova, it’s really big and exciting to go,” said Poland.
Talented players across Canada will be at the event but Poland explained the team has a fair shot at Nationals.
“I feel like we will do pretty good,” continued Poland. “We are a hard-working team.”
