A trip to Abbotsford awaits the Prince George Kodiaks U16 girls volleyball as they attempt to repeat as BC provincial champions.
It gets underway from the Tradex Building near the city’s International Airport starting on Friday – the tournament is expected to have five or six divisions with 16 teams each with the Kodiaks being in Division One.
Head Coach, Mark Lafleur says the team is also heading to Edmonton for nationals at the end of May and claimed top spot in a major prep tournament in Calgary against many of the best teams from Western Canada.
“We were at a tournament three weeks ago called Dinos Best of the West and we played the top club teams from Western Canada and we won the tournament. So, the kids have a sense of optimism and confidence.”
The Dinos tourney usually has a waiting list of about 150 teams according to Lafleur.
Lafleur stated a second provincial crown would be a pretty big deal.
“The girls are super excited having won provincials last year and looking forward to possibly repeating, which would be unreal.”
The College Heights Secondary educator has coached the group for nearly five years and says it’s a pretty balanced roster.
“They are a very hardworking group. They are very coachable and work great as a team – it is a total team effort. All the kids contribute and it’s not one or two stars that lead the way.”
“They all come from different schools and have grown up together and it’s become a family-like atmosphere. The kids know each other well, the parents know each other very well and we know what to expect from each other. It is a super-positive culture.”
The Kodiaks are ranked third heading into provincials.
Nationals will be held at the Edmonton Convention Centre starting May 24th.
PG’s U16 roster consists of Eva Allen, Tyler Dahl, Maggie Glover, Rielle Hamilton, Avery Johansen, Nadia Lennox, Camryn Maclachlyn, Hailey Silva, Bella Saro, Delaney Turner, Emma Young and Olivia Young.