Chill graduates first five-year crew

Building a tradition, when it comes to any sports organization, often lies in breaking through new boundaries, and setting the framework where a series of firsts will eventually take place.

In just five short years, the Northern Chill Volleyball Club is rapidly establishing a tradition. A year ago this time, the U-15 ladies were the trailblazers, of sorts, becoming the first team in club history to work its way through to the Tier I level of Ontario Volleyball Association (OVA) competition.

This year, when the Chill wrap up its 2009-2010 campaign, hosting an Evening an Excellence on May 17, it will mark the inaugural graduation of a “five-year class.”

Ellen Andrews, Michelle Claveau and Carly Santi have been mainstays with the club since its founding in 2004. As fresh-faced, but apprehensive Grade 8 students, the girls embarked on a journey that would change their lives.

“I didn’t know what to expect at all,” Claveau said, as the three gathered recently after a practice. “I had seen the elementary level, but had never seen anything outside of that.”

Bonds formed quickly within this core of talent, forged by a shared passion of a sport.

“I’m just happy I found such a great group of friends,” Andrews said. “It’s just a totally different group of people who love the same sport as you.”

It’s a closeness that transcends their time on the court. Sharing much laughter and sorrow, Andrews, Claveau and Santi, as well as the teammates who have become interwoven in the storyline along the way, have all become integral parts of each others lives.

The definition of “team chemistry,” the U-18 Chill are aware of the special squad that has been created over time. “After being together three, four times a week, you just know that when you step on the court, you’re there for each other,” Santi said.

The three graduating high schoolers share the same recollection when asked about the highlight of their Chill careers.

Last April, the team endured one of its toughest defeats — a close loss at the hands of the crew from Hamilton at provincials. It came at the tail end of a grueling weekend — a common reality with a team that has more often than not, been limited to a lineup of just seven or eight players.

Yet the Chill would enjoy a crack at redemption. Competing at nationals just a few weeks later, the Northern ladies found themselves looking across the court at their Hamilton nemesis once again, trailing 21-11 in the first set of the bronze-medal game.

A wildly unpredictable rally saw the Chill pull ahead 23-21 and eventually take control of the match. “It was such an emotional game,” Andrews said.

Their friendships may form the basis of the motivation to return, year after year, but it’s not the only driving force. “It’s the passion we share with the coaches,” Santi stated. “Mike (Margarit) and Jo (Joanna Castonguay) keep me coming back — they really push me to play to the best of my ability.”

“As a student, it’s really cool to see an adult love the sport as much as you do,” Andrews added.

She leaves in September for the East Coast, studying Music Therapy at Acadia University. While Andrews realistically knows post-secondary volleyball is likely not in the cards, Claveau eagerly awaits the next step, moving on to join a solid Cambrian ladies team.

Having played every position but middle, Claveau remains flexible to the options ahead. “I’m open to anything, as long as I get to play,” she said.

Santi has yet to completely finalize her plans, looking to stay in town and attend either Laurentian or Cambrian.
The girls know that one chapter of their lives will soon come to a close.

“I just want everything to stand still, so I can enjoy every last minute,” Andrews added. Those very moments that wonderful memories and storied traditions are made from.

Randy Pascal is the voice of Eastlink Sports and the founder of www.SudburySports.com.