School Sport Canada

For four consecutive years the Lakewood Academy’s girls volleyball team has brought home the provincial banner. Pictured, from the back, left, are Brittany Bath, Shannon Sartor, Kendra John, Stephanie Shea, Bethany Thompson, Megan Hounsell, Dean Johnson (co-coach); front, Janelle Gillingham, Ashley Shea, Helena John, Cassandra Ward, Valerie Shea and Taylor Shea. Missing from photo is co-coach Sheri Pittman.

©Adam Randell/TC Media

For the past 15 years Lakewood Academy has been developing its volleyball program, and over the past couple of years it’s been paying off in a big way.

In last four years the girls volleyball team – with players from Grade 7 to 12 – have won four provincial AA championships, claiming this year’s banner in hometown Glenwood.

This year they’ve also won a numerous of invitational tournaments, regionals and Volley Central Division B tier 1.

“It’s a great group of girls, who’ve put a lot of time and hard work into this,” said co-coach Dean Johnson. “You see the growth and the interest that they create for the younger students that are coming up through and will eventually take their place.”

Which keeps the building process in motion, said Johnson.

“It provides the mix that allows the senior players to mentor the younger ones, plus the exposure they get from player older students,” he said.

Player Stephanie Shea called this year’s win a highlight.

“We worked a lot harder for the championship this year and we got to do it at our school,” said the Grade 12 student.

Bethany Thompson said the team’s success ties into how well the team gels together and is confident that it’s something that can continue for some time to come.

“We’ve got a good group of girls that will be playing next year and hopefully we can keep this going.”