BY SCOTT
HADDOW
Laura Fowler was asked by her coaches to carry a heavy load for
the Cambrian College women's volleyball team this season.
A young and inexperienced squad with many first-year players,
Fowler didn't just take on the challenge of leading the group,
she excelled at it.
Fowler let nothing stand in her way, not even broken bones as
she lead the team to a 12-3 record and a chance to make some
noise in the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA)
championships.
Despite breaking her big right toe at Christmas during
training, Fowler never missed a beat with the squad and
currently leads the OCAA in offensive points.
Fowler's unwavering dedication to persevere through pain was a
constant daily reminder to the rest of the team in terms of
what it takes to succeed at a high level.
"Laura has been an amazing leader for us and she's the heart
and soul of the team," said head coach Dale Beausoleil. "She
leads the whole OCAA in offensive scoring and helped this team
to a great season all on a broken big toe. She never even
missed one practice and did every drill...when she had to do
push ups, she did them on one foot. She never backs away from
any challenge. The girls look up to her. She rallies the girls
and is a huge team player."
Fowler downplayed the broken toe.
"It's no big deal," said the six-foot-three middle. "It was my
final year of playing OCAA volleyball and I wanted to have a
strong season...and let nothing stand in the way of doing it. I
took on a leadership role this season...to help guide the
younger players. I think it has worked because the team has got
better. I have high expectations for myself. Everyday, I work
as hard as I can because it pays off on the court when it
matters."
Due to their youth, many expected Cambrian to get pushed around
this year. It wasn't the case with Fowler leading the charge
every game and inspiring her teammates to do the
extraordinary.
"I wanted to go to provincials this season because none of the
other girls have gone and I want them to have that experience,"
said the 23-year-old. "This team has just become better all
year. We have more experience and we now know how to win. We
played Durham recently and beat them 3-0. Earlier this year,
they beat us 3-2...so we can see the improvement. This team has
shown it can come through in the big games."
The Golden Shield must wait for other teams to finish their
regular season schedules today before they find out where they
stand in the league for the playoffs. Cambrian can finish
either first or second in the Central East Division. If they
hold onto first, they automatically go to the provincials. If
they land in second, they will have to play a crossover game to
see if they continue on.
"This team has really come together," said the police
foundations student. "At the start, we had our problems, but
now we're more team-oriented. Everyone doesn't care how we get
the points to win, just as long as we get them and win. That's
the attitude we want right now and that's what makes teams
win."
Fowler will leave the OCAA and Cambrian as a highly decorated
player.
In her time, Fowler has been a three-time OCAA All-Star, OCAA
Championship All-Star, Canadian Colleges Athletic Association
(CCAA) National All-Star, OCAA Provincial Champion, CCAA bronze
medal winner, three time OCAA and CCAA All-Academic All-Star
and a two time National Scholar.
"Laura is an amazing player and person," said Beausoleil. "She
has come a long way since her first year. We're going to miss
her so much. We can't replace a player of her calibre. She came
out to the school I teach at, Markstay Public School, for
volleyball camps and the kids just loved her. She loves life
and having fun."
Fowler's influence on the young team is undeniable. "She's been
a really big help to all of us," said first year player Ashley
Arnold. "She made us realize we can compete with any team in
the OCAA."
Fowler will miss the OCAA experience. "For sure...it's made me
a better person and not only developed my skills in sports, but
also off the court with my personality."
