Coach Bruce Mandeville
Brother Rice Celtics
Grade 9 girls Volleyball Team
Standing > Bruce Mandeville (coach), Darhen Sing, Brittany Hierlihy, Amanda Green, Samantha Noseworthy (captain), Nicole Macdonald, Laura March, Dave Ward (Assistant Coach).
Kneeling > Laura Penney, Gillian Forward, Megan Neville, Lindsay Stapleton
Front Row > Maria Pinto
Teams favorite tournament and why?
According to the players, their favorite tournament was the Pre-Bantam East Championships, Bell Island, 2005. This one sticks out the most in their minds because the championship match was one on the most exciting matches they have ever played. Br. Rice went up against St. Michael's for the gold in front of a packed gym. The volleyball was intense, the fans of both teams were cheering loudly (banging chairs and yelling) and in the end, it took us three games to beat this strong team. A very special moment indeed!!
Tournament results since September.
These girls have worked so hard since September 2004. In fairness to them, I have included all of their tournament results since the beginning.
2004-2005 Results
1st Place - 13 & Under Pre-Bantam East
1st Place (Tier 2) - 14 & Under Bantam Eastern Regional Championships
1st Place - Brother Rice Invitational (14 & Under)
1st Place - St. Kevin's Invitational (15 & Under)
2nd Place - I.J. Samson Invitational (14 & Under)
2005-2006 Results
1st Place - 14 & Under Bantam Eastern Regional Championships
1st Place - 14 & Under St. John's City League Championships
1st Place - I.J. Samson Invitational (14 & Under)
1st Place - Leary's Brook Tournament (14 & Under)
1st Place - Mount Pearl Intermediate Tournament (14 & Under)
2nd Place - 14 & Under Provincial Bantam Championships
2nd Place - Bantam Division - Volleyfest
2nd Place - Br. Rice Celtic Classic
2006-2007 Results
1st Place - Mount Pearl Intermediate Tournament (15 & Under)
1st Place - Celtic Classic (15 & Under)
1st Place - 15 & Under Junior High Eastern Regional Championships
1st Place - Eastern School League
2nd Place - Junior High Division - Volleyfest
3rd Place - 15 & Under Provincial Junior High Championships
Favorite Coaching Moment with this team.
I have had many memorable moments with this team and to pick just one is quite a challenge. I would say my most memorable moment would have been at the Bantam Championships in 2006. We played G.C. Rowe 8's (at the time) for the gold. Anyone who knows this team would admit that they are an awesome team, to say the least. This match went to three games, and we lost 15-13. Even though we lost, my team played so well, and had worked so hard, and had so much fun, that in my mind it was a victory. My favorite coaching moment, ever.
What is your coaching philosophy?
Practice Practice Practice. Work hard. Do your best. Remember the basics. Keep it fun.
Where do you train and how many times per week?
In the fall, we usually practice 3 times a week - each session usually runs 1.5 - 2 hours. After Christmas, because of the increased demands on gym time, we are cut back to two practices a week. We usually practice at Br. Rice gym, but we have also used neighboring school gyms from time to time. Sometimes, the girls meet at The Works on their own time to get some extra play.
What is your team goal this year?
My goal(s) for this year was to work on the skills we had learned so far, to be competitive and to have fun.
Advice for aspiring young athletes.
No matter what sport you choose to play (hopefully it's volleyball) listen to your coaches, work hard and have fun. If a sport truly appeals to you, take advantage of opportunities to learn and develop new skills. Remember, challenge yourself, cooperate with your teammates and remain positive.
|
