Tommy Kelly

Tommy Kelly is currently playing Professional Volleyball for the Club Lycurgus that is based in Groningen, Holland.

He recently dropped by the NLVA office to answer a few questions.

High School/ Coach:

Roncalli Central High, Bob Alcock

Provincial team playing/coaching:

Player - 97 & 98
Coached - 2001/ 2003 & 2006/2007

MUN/All stars:

1st team all star in 2004, second team in 2005
Assistant Coach MUN Male Team 2005 and 2006.

Favourite High School Moment:

The first time we won the 4A's against Pasadena in their gym.

Favourite provincial team moment (playing/coaching):

Playing; I think it would have to be the match against Quebec in the semi-finals in 98. We won the first game 15-5 and lost the second game 15-0 and were down the third game 13-1 and came back to tie the game. We didn't win but it was a lot of fun and I remember it took a very long time to complete that comeback. I think this was only possible because of old school rules which made the game much more unpredictable.

Coaching; Probably my first year as a head coach of the +1 team. I was a little nervous about it and we got second which was nice.

Favourite university moment:

This would have to be the AUS finals against Dalhousie when we lost in the 5th set 20-18 or something. Another loss but still so much fun.

The European Experience:

This is quite different from anything else I've ever done. I play for the club Lycurgus which is based here in Groningen, Holland. I play power but here it's called passer loper. The competition is very tight. At the moment we are in 4th place which I'm told is very good. The speed of the game is what is so amazing. It's just too fast sometimes. It doesn't feel like I'm a pro or anything yet because I still don't think it has sunk in. I am still adapting to life here in Groningen. It is said that as a true foreigner (player outside of Europe) that you don't really become a player in Europe until your second year. You basically become a 1st year all over again which I have come to realize is very accurate.

One of the biggest difference's I find is that I have nothing else that I need to focus on in my life. Its only volleyball and that takes some getting used to. Back home you have so much more than volleyball in your life, but here if you play bad then it feels like your whole life is upside down. But it is just another aspect that you need to adapt too.

Its almost like everyday is still a new experience for me both as a player and as a citizen here in Groningen. I bought a peddle bike when I first got here because it's how everyone gets around the city. They have cars but it's faster by bike because the city is so compact. I've seen some very interesting bikes as well as ways to fit people and objects on these bikes. I am curious however to see what will happen once the ice forms. That will be interesting, especially for my roommate who is from the Caribbean islands.

So you not only have to adapt to the volleyball style that is here but also to the culture of the city that you live in which I'm told can be more of a challenge is some places. I think I lucked out to land here. Everyone can speak English which makes the transition that much easier. In practices, time outs and in games they speak in Dutch first and then translate for me into English. But I've picked up enough Dutch to know the general meaning of what is being said.

A quote for athletes in the Province:

Always go for it. What do you have to lose? You don't want to go through life wondering…what if…or having regrets about it.

What I like about the provincial program:

There isn't any one thing that I like best about it. I just love the whole trip and the whole idea of it. The social aspect between coaches and athlete's is always a lot of fun while at the same time so stressful which somehow creates an amazing environment. I love the opportunity to pass on knowledge about the game that I learned and the fact that people did it for me when I was a playing and I enjoy the fact that I have to chance to do the same.