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Subscribe to our Newsletter"The home of a champion should show that he is a champion."
This is depicted all too well by the newly renovated volleyball court of the Wolmer's Girls' volleyball team. The home of the famed wolverines has recently gone through some physical changes with some remodeling being conducted on the Caveliers Campus; with the volleyball court being no exception. The facelift given was long overdue and well derserved by the island champions.
With the baseline areas painted with the school's insignia, one can truly get a sense of the never-dying spirit of perserverance living within the team with the phrase "I am...I can!!" on the second sideline, a phrase the entire Wolmerian family can find common ground with what truly makes them who they are.....Age Quod Agis.
The 12th staging of the Wolmer's Girls' Volleyfest was another exciting affair. A total of nine high schools and two primary schools took part. The introduction of the primary schools to this year's staging added even more excitement. Lyssons Primary of St. Thomas defeated Jessie Ripoll Primary of Kingston 21-13 in an exhibition game that had all the spectators cheering. The 2015 edition of Volleyfest will have more primary schools playing among the high school teams.
Camperdown High were crowned champions of Volleyfest 2014, after defeating Wolmer's Legend 2-1in the final. This is their first hold on the Janet Robertson Trophy, and the third school to win the title since its inception in 2002, the other winners are Old Harbour High and hosts Wolmer's Girls'.
The top four placings were:
1st Place - Camperdown High
2nd Place - Wolmer's Girls' Legend
3rd Place - St. Catherine High
4th Place - Knox College
The award winners were:
Most Disciplined Team - St. Catherine High School
Best Server: - Shanelle Williams - Camperdown High
Best Receiver: - Cavell Williams - Wolmer's Legend
Best Setter: - Shenelle Walker - Wolmer's Legend
Best Attacker: - Erica Harris - Wolmer's Legend
Best Blocker: - A. Avielle Jones - Wolmer's Legend
Best Defender: - Shanelle Williams - Camperdown High
Most Valuable Player: Shanelle Williams - Camperdown High
Special thanks to our sponsors who came on board for another successful staging:
Wisynco
Lasco Distributors Ltd
Grace Kennedy Co. Ltd
Burger King
Fly Jamaica Airlines
Cals Ltd.
CNIS Sports
Amalgamated Distributed Ltd
WOGA
WGS Track and FIeld Programme
A big thank you to the members of the UWI Volleyball Club who assisted us greatly in officiating and statistics. Thank you - Renae Temple, Tasha-Gaye Richards, Jelanie Haughton, Shane Dwyer, Tanisha Wright, Cherine Richards, Dr. Ricardo Chong.
The annual staging of the UWI Invitational Tournament slated for November 14 - 16th, has been cancelled. According to the president of the UWI Club Dr. Ricardo Chong, the executive of the organizing committee saw it fit to take the decision to cancel the tournament. Dr. Chong stated " We saw it fit to do so not because of a lack of sponsorship but rather in the interest of our loyal sponsors who also agree that this is the right move to make."
He further stated " We have maintained a certain level of operations since taking over the running of the tournament and think that this year's edition would not be in keeping with what we set out to do. We were hampered by the lack of overseas participation for various reasons, and as a primary goal to get exposure to our club players this clearly did not meet our objective."
One of the great things about volleyball is that it can be a place where you focus, be in the moment, and let go of all those distractions.
I want you to be able to practice with intensity and leave the outside world, well, outside. I want you to even have the focus that you can practice what you’re not good at and be strong enough mentally that you see the bigger picture that practicing what you’re not good at is the fastest way to get better.
This is challenging, since it doesn’t feel good to make mistakes. If you’re working on your jump serve, starting out as a hitter, or trying to improve your serve receive, you’re going to make mistakes. Lots of them. It can feel like you’re playing worse, which in turn makes you frustrated and play poorly. Your teammates must be upset with you, right? And your coach’s opinion of you is getting worse with all the miss hits, service errors, and poor passes, right?
There are lots of reasons to play it safe, to only practice what you’re good at, not make mistakes, and try to look as good as possible at practice. The problem is, you won’t improve as quickly if you do.
You know how unsatisfying it is to have a lukewarm practice that doesn’t take much effort and feels like you didn’t learn anything. And you know that great feeling after a difficult practice and how good it feels to go all out and leave it all on the court. I want every practice you have to give you that great feeling.
Here’s what I want you to do before practice. Whether you arrive by car or from the classroom, I want you to pause before you go into the gym. Before you enter the gym, whether it’s going through the gym doors or crossing the first line on the gym floor, I want you to pause. You might find that this is easier if you’re not so close to the gym where your teammates are greeting you. I don’t want you to look like you’re blowing them off!
When you pause, look into the distance, take a breath in and exhale the breath out and just drift for a moment like when you’re day dreaming.
Then I want you to remember why you like playing volleyball, what the last great play you made felt like, and what your commitment is to getting better. I want you to decide, in that moment, what kind of practice you are going to have. Like a decision. You are deciding how it’s going to be.
As an adult, you realize how much impact you have on the outcome of things. At work, as a parent, or in your relationships. I want you to start realizing now, that you have a huge effect on how your practices are going to be.
These few moments before you enter the gym are a time for you to remember your passion for the sport, your commitment to getting better, your determination to see how good you can get if you work tirelessly. To really have determination present for you. To create it and generate it before you walk in.
When you’ve done this, change your gait. Walk in with more determination, more intension, more energy, more enthusiasm. Decide that this practice is going to be the best practice you’ve ever had. And have it happen.
Courtesy of Steve Davis - Volleyball coach, USA
Volleyball in Jamaica - A historic journey.
Volleyball was introduced to Jamaica in 1959 and within two years, the first local club, Rockets Volleyball Club, was formed.
Venus All Stars, Jamaica Defence Force, Vikings, Mico Old Students Association, Rocketts, Sunset, Cosmic and the University of the West Indies were formed since.
The formation of Rockets Volleyball Club paved the way for Jamaica’s participation in regional volleyball for men. And in 1964, the first organised female Jamaican volleyball team was formed.
In 1990, Jamaica’s men team participated in the CAC Games for the first time. The games were held in Mexico and Jamaica finished eighth and last. It was the first time Jamaica was competing against teams in the North, Central American and Caribbean region.
The following year, Jamaica’s male team was edged 2-1 by the visiting Suriname team in a three-match series.
The Caribbean Championship was introduced in 1991, which was hosted by Suriname. However, only the Netherlands Antilles went to Suriname.
In 1992, the Caribbean Championship was staged in Jamaica and involved five male and four female teams. Jamaica finished second in the men’s division and third in the female’s division.
Best Placing
The country achieved its best placing in 2004 when the Championship was hosted by Barbados. Jamaica finished second in both male and female division.
In 1997, the first Caribbean Junior Championships were staged in Barbados. Jamaica’s best placing came in the inaugural year. The male team finished second while the female-ended third.
The female juniors repeated their third place finish in the 2005 championship in Trinidad and Tobago. Jamaica was represented by only a female team that year.
The period of 1993 to 1994 saw Jamaica Amateur Volleyball Association being renamed Jamaica Volleyball Association.
That move came about to allow amateurs and professionals to fall under one body in keeping with the international rules.
Much emphasis during that time was placed on the national junior programme with regular participation in the Caribbean Junior Championships.
The Jamaica Volleyball Association celebrated its 40th anniversary in 1999 by hosting the second Caribbean Junior Championships.
And in that same year, the senior men’s team was invited to play in the North, Central America and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation (NORCECA), Championships in Monterey, Mexico after the withdrawal of the Dominican Republic.
Jamaica finished eighth and last at the NORCECA Championships. Dominican Republic had qualified for the championships after beating Jamaica 2-1 to secure the final spot.
In 2001, Jamaica participated in the World Championships qualification series in Aruba for the first time. The female team progressed to the second round of qualification in the Dominican Republic, but failed to progress further. It was the first exposure for the female team at that level of competition.
Volleyball is very active at the school level. Wolmer’s Girls and Knox Boys have dominated the sports over the years. Wolmer’s Girls won all the national championships between 1990 and 1997. The school’s dominance was halted by Alpha in 1998 and 1999.
Wolmer’s Girls were back on top in 2000 and continue to be a force to be reckoned with.
Knox’s dominated the boys’ game from 1989 until it was broken by Kingston Technical High School in 1994. After 1997 St. Jago, Mannings and Maud McLeod have proved competitive.
The 1990s produced some of the best players, who benefited from modern international coaching techniques. One of the country’s best player produced during that period was David Jack, who competed on the USA semi-professional circuit.
In 1993, Jack was named best server, best passer, best defender and most valuable player at the Caribbean Championships in Trinidad.
Other top players were Colin Henry, Lynford Foreman, Ortnel Findley, Rupert McRae, Donovan Garvey, Owen Leslie and Georgette Crawford.
In a move to further develop the sport in Jamaica, NORCECA handed the local association a new volleyball court and equipment worth over US$40,000 earlier this year.
The Jamaican senior national men’s team is currently ranked 13th of 32 teams in the NORCECA region; while the senior female team is ranked 11th of 33 countries in the region.
Major Warrenton Dixon is the president of the Jamaica Volleyball Association.
Major Dixon is also second vice-president of the Caribbean Zonal Volleyball Association.
Courtesy of: Jamaica Information Service (JIS)
Wolmer's, St Jago Take All-Island Crowns
Raymond Graham, Gleaner Writer
MANY-time champions Wolmer's Girls and St Jago Boys continued their dominance in high-school volleyball, as they defeated their opponents in close matches on Tuesday in the all-island finals at The Mico University College.
Both matches went to the maximum five sets with both teams winning 3-2.
In the female final, Wolmer's Girls' stopped Alpha 25-18, 25-19, 26-28, 20-25, 18-16, while in the male equivalent, St Jago won 25-16, 9-25, 25-21, 20-25,15-10 over Oracabessa.
Among the girls, it was a rematch of the Corporate Area final, and the defending champions, who have dominated the competition for the past 16 years, looked on target for an easy victory as they took the first two sets quite easily.
However, in the third, the Alpha team led from start to finish for a close two-point victory. This gave them a confidence booster, as in the fourth set, they continued their fightback and won, forcing the game to a crucial fifth set.
THRILLING MATCH
Both teams treated the cheering fans to a thriller as, despite taking a quick 8-1 lead, the Wolmer's team had to stave off another late surge from their opponents.
Led by the experienced Rick Webb, St Jago did not have things their own way as they had to dig hard to stave off a determined Oracabessa team, which did not have any reserves, playing with the entire six players for all five sets.
In the end, however, it was the experience of Webb that made the difference, as he marshalled his team throughout to set up the win and secure their sixth All-Island title in a row.
Winning coach, Byron Martin, the man behind all these wins, was once again happy for the title.
Earlier, there were play-off matches for third positions. In the female play-off, St Jago High defeated Muschette 25-20, 16-25, 15-10, while in the male section, it was Camperdown who prevailed over Muschette 25-15, 25-22.
Vanessa Jones gets scholarship to UWI
Outside hitter Vanessa Jones, received a full volleyball scholarship to the University of the West Indies. Jones is a former national junior player made her debut in 2009 at the FIVB Junior Intercontinental championship in Guatemala. She also excelled in Netball, and was team captain to the Caribbean Junior championships.
It was not very difficult for her to make the transition from Netball to volleyball as she learnt the sport very quickly and went on to represent the Wolverines to a successful championship crown in the national Under 15 Championship. She entered the Under 19 team as a middle blocker and have won the Best Blocker award twice; during her 2nd year on the senior team her role was switched to being an Outside Hitter, which she dominated throughout the school competitions. At the National Championship final in April 2013, she was named Best Attacker and won the Most Valuable Player award for the second consecutive time as Wolmer's won their 19th championship title.
Vanessa was quite elated upon receiving the scholarship and is looking forward to the challenge of attending the UWI, which is one of the dominant teams in Jamaica, the female team is the 2013 Intercollegiate champions while the males were runners-up to UTECH for the past two years.
Members of the Wolmer's Volleyball Programme, would like to wish her all the best as she embarks on a new journey, and continue to keep the Wolmer's flag high.
Age Quod Agis!!
Wolmer's Volleyball, I am...I can!!
Saturday, November 24th marked the riveting unofficial start of the 2012-2013 school girls’ volleyball season. Being held for the 10th year, the Wolmer’s Volleyfest was held at the Wolmer’s Cavaliers campus. This year's competition was entered by a total number of 14 teams from 9 schools, coming from as far as Trelawny. The day’s proceedings began at 11 a.m with Wolmer’s own drama teacher, the beloved Mr. Drysdale as MC. Wolmer’s entered 3 teams: X-tension, Kryptonites and Genesis Chapter 2. By 3 p.m the Wolmer’s X-tension team had made it to the semi-finals losing only one of their round one matches.
Nonetheless we are immensely proud of Kryptonite and Genesis Chapter 2. X-tension met up with the team from Old Harbour who defeated them in the first round; the girls defeated them 21-14 in the semi-finals to secure a spot in the final against debutants Guys Hill. Unfortunately, the team from St. Catherine was no match for the defending champions, as the Wolmer’s X-tension defeated them 2 sets to nil to retain the coveted Janet Robertson trophy. The team also went home with some individual awards: Vanessa Jones of U6H1 was awarded Best Attacker, Shanice ‘Smiley’ Salmon of U6H2 was awarded Best Setter and Kimberly Hanniford of the Lower 6 took home the trophy for Best Blocker (all from team X-tension). We trust that the team will continue their success as the season draws near.
Contributor: Atinuke Oladele –
Team Manager,
Wolmer’s Volleyball Programme
The World Championship Qualifiers zone B will be played here in Kingston, Jamaica from November 29-30. Jamaica will be up against Barbados, Cayman Islands and Aruba. Wolmer's will be represented on this team - Naima Stennett, Cherie Thompson, Sashalee Wallen, and Avaniki Campbell.
WE wish you all the best ladies and continue to represent us well.
Age Quod Agis! I am...I can!!
The 10th staging of the Wolmer's Girls Volleyfest tournament for high school girls teams, will serve off on Saturday November 24 at the Wolmer's Girls' School campus. This year seems to be shaping up to be another exciting one. The participating schools so far are:
Old Harbour High
Knox College
Campion College
St. Hughs High
Mushette High
St. Andrew Technical
St. Jago High
Jose Marti Tech
Meadowbrook High
Camperdown High
St. Catherine High
It's hoped that by the closing date on Wednesday, other schools will confirm their participation. The event this year will be be sponsored by Hy-Lite sports drink, T, Geddes Grant Ltd, EMkay Sports, Wisynco,Ltd.
With these companies joining with us this year, we are greatful for the contribution. We look forward to continued support as we aim to make it an exciting one.
The 7th staging of the UWI Pelicans Invitational volleyball tournament concluded at the Mona Bowl on Sunday. Two exciting finals were played in front of a full gymnasium. The female final saw the host and defending champions UWI 'A' up against the MIAMI select team. The visitors took the first set comfortably, however, UWI can storming back in the second set and levelled the match at 1-1. MIAMI pick up their game in the third with some strong serves which gave UWI some discomfort with reception errors. The visitors went on to take the 3rd set and then the 4th set to seal the championship title with a 3-1 win.
The male final was the toast of the afternoon, which saw two local teams putting on a good show. First time finalist Venus All Stars volleyball club up against many time finalist and national champion Vikings volleyball club. Vikings came out hard in the first set and kept Venus at bay with their powerful jump serves and flashy attacking to take the set, Venus came back strong with a good display of blocking, serve reception and good defensive play which rewarded their efforts by taking the second set. Venus went on to take the Third set, but saw Vikings roaring back to to take the fourth and force a deciding 5th set, Venus serged into the lead early and maintained it for most of the set, as Vikings continued to chip away at the score, their efforts fell short as venus went on to win the 5th set and claim the title for the first time with a 3-2 victory.
Wolmer's Girls' 'Wolverines' made it to their 18th final and continue on their quest for a record 17 national championships. After dropping the first set to challenger, Mannings School, the Wolverines rallied to take the next three sets and a place in the final.
The victory came with stellar defense from Shauna-Kaye Marzouca with 8 digs, aggressive blocking from Vanessa Jones who had 4 blocks, Sheniele Grant led with a team high 9 kills. Team captain Kayan Farr, led the assist category. Budding young setter Shenell Walker, is blooming into an athlete with great promise, she displayed composure in the in her role. Special Mention must be made to Shade Chambers for serving and serve reception, Channalee Wilson our middle blocker with some convincing runs and kills through the center, Coleen Morris (Libero) had a good passing game.
The entire team had a chance to make their contribution, and they did so with confidence and this just goes to show that Wolmer's Volleyball will be a strong team in the future.
Congrats on your win ladies! Now lets turn our attention to the final game of the season..............
ISSA NATIONAL U19 VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIP 2010
COOYAH Wolmer's Volleyfest 2k9
Defending champion,
This year’s competition was a great
one with the exception of late cancellation from at-least six [6] schools.
Wolmer’s girls’ school [the host] had
three [3] teams, [Alcatrace, Up-setters, last year’s beaten finalist and
Wolmer’s Juniors.]. Muschett High from Trelawny
had two [2] teams along with St. Hugh’s, Camperdown and
The teams were placed in three zones
of five teams each with the top two teams and the next two best third place
teams making it to the quarterfinal round.
Defending
In the semi-finals, Old Harbour high
were made to work overtime as they were pushed hard by the unrelenting Knox
College, they however held their nerves to come out 25-18 winners and a place
in the finals against UWI Mona who defeated Wolmer’s Up-setters 25-22.
The final was a ding dong battle as
both teams were going all out for the title. It was
In the final moments, the match was
tied at 29 after
Knox College surprised the Wolmer’s
Upsetters to take third place in a thriller, they came out 25-23 victors.
It was a disappointing tournament for
the Wolmer’s teams as it is the first year that no Wolmer’s team made it to the
final. It’s also the first time the Wolmer’s Girls’ Volleyball team is losing
any same title twice.
The awards ceremony concluded the day
with individual and special awards. Individual Awards were given to Fiona
[Fee-Fee] Binns; she copped the Best Attacker, Best Passer and also the MVP
award. The best setter went to Wolmer’s Up-setters Kayan Farr; she also got a
special award for Exemplary Leadership. UWI Mona’s, Sandrica Young got the Best Server award, Best Blocker went to
Contributed by:
Jordache Deuce
Wolmer's Girls' P.E. Dept.
On Senior Night, NCCU senior Avaniki Campbell collected 10 kills and equaled a career-high with 10 blocks for her third double-double of the season, while adding five digs and a service ace. Junior Shantel Moorerecorded her fifth double-double this year with a match-high 16 kills and 12 digs. Fellow NCCU junior Belinda Behncke-Biney tallied 14 kills and 13 digs for her fifth double-double of the campaign.
Campbell's 10 blocks raised her season total to 129, which ranks fifth on the school's single-season blocks list.
"Avaniki is one of our strong leaders that is going to be missed," said NCCU head coach Georgette Crawford-Crooks. "Tonight, she wanted to end on a good note as a senior. Plus, her father and 12-year old sister were here to see her play for the first time, so that inspired her."
Roxanne Smith - All Star
Keys To Blocking
Whether it's a front or a cross-over hop, help your blockers improve their volleyball IQ with this primer to understanding the terminology of the position.
Penetrate: To seal the net with the hands and arms. Whenever possible, extend your arms across the
net (penetration).
Plant: When you move along the net to block, plant so that you jump straight up and down. Land
in the same position from where you jumped. Shoulders square to the net.
Sidestep: One step left (left- right) and block jump. One step right=right-left jump.
Shuffle Step: Step with leading foot and shuffle to plant position to block jump.
Cross-Over Hop: Step, cross over and block jump. Planting with a hop while trying to square feet, hips and shoulders to net.
Carry Hands High: When moving across the net and when jumping, carry the hands at shoulder
height.
Hitter Cues for Blocking
Jump With Your Hitter: The farther off the net the hitter is hitting, the later your jump should be. Time your jump with his or hers.
Watch the Shoulders, Hands and Eyes: As the hitter's hands, shoulders or eyes turn, watch them and adjust to where they are trying to hit the ball. Take away that area.
Front Your Hitter: Blocker needs to move and set the block in front of where the hitter is
jumping. in other words, in the hitter's angle of approach.
Setter Watch: Watch the setter's hands. Focus on the setter's hands before the ball is set.
Coaching Tip #2 -
In practice, study your player's habits and body language. If you think you're seeing a good effort in practice, look for the same thing on the game court as well. An old sports cliché says that a player should:
"Leave out all out on the court..."
The players you have out on the court should understand that playing time is a privilege, and that they should always fully utilize it.
The small things that happen in the course of a game, like going after balls that you think you can't get to, hitting the floor and general scrappy play, are good indicators that your
team is playing hard. But... there is a 'distinction' between playing hard and playing well.
You want your players doing things the "right way". Make sure:
* The passers are always down in their defensive stance, ready to
move.
* The blockers should always be penetrating the net with
their hands.
* The hitters should be getting off the net to make good approaches.
The list goes on and on.
It's important to know your players and what they are capable of to make sound judgments on their quality of play. For example if you are coaching a very talented 16 year old player. A good jumper with great body control, and is always hitting over opponents blocks. Even though he is always your best hitter, always have criticism for him because he's always trying to cut corners. You have to constantly emphasize the proper way to be playing, things like getting off the net to make an appropriate
approach, playing bad sets, digging balls, etc. Just because he's the only one that can hit balls down does not mean he's working as hard as, or harder than anyone.
Body language is a good indicator too -
An alert body hunched in anticipation on defense or an erect and loaded body ready to jump at the net shows that the player is still energized and attentive. Slumped shoulders and a lackadaisical attitude indicate a player is not giving their best effort and has possibly given up!
Rather than a definite method for analyzing play, a coach should rely on his or her instincts and knowledge of his or her players and their capabilities. You know what balls they can dig, what serves they are able to pass or what hits they can block.
You need to determine if they executed their abilities in the game and played the way you have seen them play before. Like I said, this is a difficult task for any coach.
COOYAH WOLMER'S VOLLEY FEST 2008
It was a day of fun and excitement as eighteen (18) teams from ten (10) schools from near and far showed up to participate in the fifth staging of this stellar event.
Wolmer’s Girls’ school had four (4) teams followed by Meadowbrook with three (3). Old Harbour, St. Hugh’s and Knox College all had two (2) teams each while there was a team apiece from Alpha Academy, Campion College, Camperdown High, Mico University College and Portmore Community College.
The teams were placed in four (4) zones with the winner of each zone moving on to the second round which is the semi-final round.
At the end of the first round, the semi-finalists were decided by virtue of their games won, with points differential (points for – points against) being the second determinant. . Wolmer’s had three (3) teams in the semi-finals (Upsetters 4-0, Ace 3-0, Alcatraz 2-2) with Old Harbour (4-0) being the other team.
Semi-final one (1) saw Wolmer’s Upsetters, the number one (#1) ranked team facing another Wolmer’s team, the WGS Alcatraz. In semi-final two (2), it was Old Harbour, the number two (#2) ranked team facing off with the third Wolmer’s team the WGS Ace.
TheUpsetters got by their counterpart by a margin of 21-16, while it was the same score line between Old Harbour and the WGS Ace. The matches were all played to one set.
The final was an exciting encounter between the WGS Upsetters (last year’s beaten finalists) and the Old Harbour team. However, it was the Old Harbour team that came out on top with a comfortable 25-16 win to take the coveted Janet Robertson trophy.
Six of the eight sectional prizes went to players from the Wolmer’s teams:-
Best Blocker: Sheniele Grant (#10) WGS Upsetters
Best Passer: Shauna-Kay Marzouca (#7) WGS Upsetters
Best Spiker: and Best Server awards went to Kareena Pinnock (#7) WGS Ace
Best Setter: Kayan Farr, WGS Upsetters
Best Defender: Samantha Currier (#8) WGS Upsetters.
The Most Disciplined team award went to Campion College, while the Most Valuable Player award went to Chevanese Henry of Old Harbour High School.
Dayna Nelson, an official at the event who is also a student of Campion College, was voted the top Official for the tournament.
There were a lot of high praises for the tournament organiser Mr. O’Neil Ebanks, coach of the Wolmer’s Volleyball teams, and for the sponsors COOYAH Clothing Ltd.
The competition was a great success and COOYAH promises a bigger and better 2009.
VolleyFest Rules and Guidelines
Shanique Sterling - A Bright Star
A single mother's sacrifice is the motivation that pushes Shanique Sterling to greatness.
Shanique, who narrowed down her success to hard work and motivation supplied from her sacrificial mom, is in a class by herself.
"My mother is my mentor and she motivated me to excel both in my schoolwork and sports. I see all the sacrifices that she makes for me being a single parent ."I understand that it is difficult to provide all my needs and my mother has come through for me, so she is definitely my motivation."
The 18-year-old student, a resident of 5 West Greater Portmore, is in upper sixth-form at Wolmer's High School for girls.
On Heroes Day, Shanique collected the Mayor's Youth Award from Portmore Mayor George Lee for her outstanding achievements in academics and sports.
She said she was "very elated and surprise" because she didn't expected to get such a "prestigious award".
Shanique is a brilliant young scholar and proved it last year by getting nine distinctions in the CXC exams, she followed up this year, by collecting four distinctions in a recently taken CAPE exams.
The young scholar, who attends the Miracle Open Bible Church in Independence City, noted that she knows how to manage her time between extra-curricular activities and schoolwork. "Organization is key, make a steady timetable, inclusive of all the activities you are involved in and be disciplined enough to stick to it," Shanique advised.
She adds that her school, Wolmer's High for Girls, fosters her development. "My school fosters my achievements, my principal, Colleen Montague, is always motivating us to do our best and to achieve the highest level of success," she said.
Her advice to young people is to "work hard in whatever you do; give 110 per cent effort, and always aim for maximum success".
WOLMERIANS SETTING THE PACE – Naima Stennett, Avaniki Campbell
Naima Stennett is now a second year student the North Carolina Central University where she is doing a major in Biology. A proud graduate of the Wolmer’s Trust High School for Girls, she has maintained her high standard on and off the court. While in high school she was on the honour roll from the eighth grade (second form) up to her graduation, where she achieved passes with distinctions in her Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) exams. As a member of the volleyball team, she made her mark while playing in the under 15 league and carried that performance up to the Under 19 league.
In 2005 she was selected for the national junior team that finished third at the Caribbean Junior Championships in Trinidad. She was also on the National Senior team that competed in the NORCECA World Championship Qualifiers, held in the Dominican Republic during that same year, two of her high school team mates were part of that selection - Avaniki Campbell (middle blocker) and Shanique Sterling (libero). Stennett was the captain of the national team in July 2007 that went to the 6th Caribbean Junior Championships in St. Thomas – US Virgin Islands. The six footer is a starter for the NCCU Eagles, and recently received a top award for academics.
Avaniki Campbell, another outstanding player is standing tall at the Cisco Junior College in Texas. Campbell is in her second year, and has created quite a stir during her first season, topping the blocking category, and a top scorer for her team. This accomplished middle blocker made her presence felt by all teams that Wolmer’s encountered during the six years she represented at both the Under 15 and Under 19 Level. This performance she took to the national junior team in 2003 to Martinique, Trinidad in 2005, and to the National senior team in 2004 at the Caribbean Senior Championships in Barbados (2004) and the NORCECA World Championships Qualifiers in the Dominican Republic. At the Caribbean Junior Championships in The US Virgin Islands (July 2007), Avaniki led the Blocking category from the start and was rewarded for her stellar performance by being awarded the tournament’s best blocker.
It is without a doubt that these players are opening up more avenues for others to follow, they have done well to keep the Wolmer’s Volleyball tradition at the utmost and the envy of the nation. Kudos ladies!! We are extremely proud of you and will continue to keep up with your progress.
Age Quod Agis!!
“I am …I can!!”
Richards excelling on and off the court
The Sunday Gleaner
Keisha Hill, Staff Reporter
Tasha-Gaye Richards ... "If you make up your mind to do something you have to push yourself and just get it done."
"VOLLEYBALL IS fun. It has helped me to manage my time better because I have to practise and dedicate time to my academics as well as social life," so says 17-year-old Wolmerian and volleyball champion, Tasha-Gaye Richards.
Her sister, Renae Temple, who is also an avid volleyball player, introduced her to the game five years ago. "It seemed an interesting game. In the summer before my first year at Wolmer's Girls I trained with my sister's squad. After starting at Wolmer's I continued playing the game," she said.
Born to Patricia Green and Roverton Richards in the parish of Manchester, Richards made the Jamaica Volleyball Association's (JAVA) national team earlier this year. "I have been called for the national team since third form but the opportune time has come now for me to join," she said.
She says her parents are supportive of her many aspirations and achievements.
"My mother is not surprised about my achievements because I have been doing well since basic school. She is happy but not as excited as I am, as she knows that I work well, and once I put my mind and everything into doing the work, then I am going to do it," she said.
Since her first year at Wolmer's Girls she has participated in the national school league competitions with her team placing first in all events. Her team has also entered several club competitions in which it placed first in its division and was recently upgraded to Division One.
Richards has also played at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Invitational event where her team finished second.
"We have played with colleges from overseas during these tournaments. We are hoping to participate in the tournament this year and place in the top three," she said.
But what has made this young woman so alluring and inspiring? Whilst steaming up the volleyball court, Richards continues to excel academically. Currently a sixth form student at Wolmer's Girls, Richards copped nine ones in the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) Examinations in June. She was successful in sitting mathematics, English language, English literature, information technology, history, social studies, accounts, spanish and physics.
A determined and passionate individual, she is currently pursuing accounts, communication studies, computer science, mathematics and history at Wolmer's.
A lover of mathematics, she plans to chart a career in actuarial science at the University of the West Indies (UWI).
"I love mathematics. People say actuarial science is hard to study but I am going to pass all my courses with straight As," she promised.
Although this focussed and active youngster trains 12 hours per week, including Saturdays, she still finds the time to study and do her assignments.
"I lose a lot of my sleep time ... but then when I get my summer holidays I get back all the sleep time. I want to play volleyball and I want to do well in school," she said.
"If you make up your mind to do something you have to push yourself and just get it done."
Although volleyball is not considered a widespread game in Jamaica and the sporting fraternity has been plagued with heavy debts and minimal financial assistance over the years, Richards believes there is still hope for the sport in Jamaica.
"There are not many persons who know about the sport. We need to encourage the schools to get coaches to come in and develop the sport in the school setting. Once the sport is developed in the schools then the national setting would be easier to develop," she said.
"We, as players, can also teach the students basic technical skills of the sport. Therefore, the sport will continue to be developed so that when we reach the national level many more persons will be willing to try out for the national team. Hence, we can do better and create a dominant niche in the world."
This budding volleyball star still finds the time amid her hectic schedule for a social life. She enjoys going to the movies and parties with her friends.
"I also like to read. If I am not reading a textbook my nose is stuck in a novel. I like reading mystery books because they make me think about what is going to happen next," she said.
Richards encourages young people to stay focussed and stay in school.
"Education is what is going to get you out of whatever situation you are in. You have to be strong emotionally so that you can go through it. Whatever situation you are going through, somebody out there is going through worse than you. Set your goals, aim for them and stay focussed," she said.
A true and patriotic Jamaican, Richards wants to continue living in Jamaica and contribute to the society after she completes her studies.
"There is a brain drain going on in Jamaica. All the young and brilliant minds are leaving the island," she said. "If this trend continues, what will happen to our economy, our society and people?" she asks.
Nevertheless, Richards has high hopes of continuing a career in volleyball. "I want to continue playing volleyball right up to the national level for as long as possible."
Wolmer's Girls, Frome spike volleyball titles
In the finals played at G.C. Foster College on Thursday, Wolmer's recovered from two sets down by winning the final three sets to continue their dominance of local schoolgirls volleyball, while Frome Technical, in just their second season, outclassed Wolmer's Boys in a one-sided contest.
In the third place play-offs, St. Hugh's failed to show, thus giving St. Jago the bronze medal by default, while St. Jago defeated Camperdown in the best-of-three boys' match.
Wolmer's' coach, O’Neil Ebanks, said he had anticipated a tough challenge, especially after finding themselves down 25-16, 25-17. They bounced back, however, winning the remaining sets 25-15, 25-21, 15-6.
"This year I really had a weak team, our weak attack was the main concern I had with this team," he explained.
"I was expecting this challenge because Godfrey Stewart has quality players and we knew we had to play good defense to get by them," he added.
However, he praised his girls' effort and said experience carried them through.
"Experience, sound technical skills and a strong mental game" was how he described the key facets of their success.
"We have been to the final on more than one occasion, we concentrated on our defense because we knew what to expect," said Ebanks, who received an award for his tremendous services to volleyball in Jamaica, at the closing ceremony.
In the boys' contest, Frome were dominant in a three-set victory - 25-17, 25-19, and 25-18.
Errol Smith, coach of Frome, said his team was rewarded for hard work.
"It was good, I worked hard with the boys since the last team," said Smith. "I retained most of the boys so we have been working hard this year. We got a lot of practice games and that helped," he added.
"Prior to the semi-finals and final we played a practice game against Vikings A from Westmoreland, which helped us a lot," he continued.
Smith, who introduced volleyball to Frome Technical after returning to Westmoreland two years ago, said this result means a lot for the sport in western Jamaica.
published: Saturday | April 14, 2007
Anthony Foster, Freelance writer
The Daily Gleaner.
Ebanks tops the class
Published by the Daily Gleaner: Wednesday | December 20, 2006
Sponsored by the Olympic Solidarity Fund through the Jamaica Olympic Association, the Jamaica Volleyball Association convened a Level II Volleyball Coaching Course at G.C. Foster College during the period December 4-17, 2006.
Seventeen persons sat the course, including an Englishman, Luke Douglas, but it was O’Neil Ebanks who finished top of the class, followed by Rupert Fearon and Steve Davis. The lone female coach was Suzette Baker.
"It means great things for volleyball in Jamaica because previous to Sunday, we only had one Level II coach now we have 14, one for each parish," Pat Garel, president of the Jamaica Volleyball Association told The Gleaner yesterday. "We have great plans for all of them including schools and clubs in some way, shape, or form in the programme. It is JAVA's vision to have all local coaches certified by the end of 2007," added Garel.
The two expert instructors provided by the International Volleyball Federation, Dr. Tahar Boukef from Tunisia and Mr. Jose Luis Santana Lugones from Cuba, conducted the course which officially concluded on Sunday with an awards ceremony at the Courtleigh Hotel in New Kingston.
