Wed April 28, 2010 training with Men's National Team

This was a less hectic day. It seems our meetings are over and now we are focusing more on volleyball.

Today, I started my day with a television interview with the local GIS station. The interview was conducted by Pastor Worme and involved Nanan and myself. We discussed the purpose of my visit and volleyball in Grenada. It was a good experience and i enjoyed meeting Pastor Worme.

In the evening, I observed my first Men's National Team practice. We practiced from 5:30-8pm. Volleyball in Grenada is an outdoor sport, primarily because they do not have indoor facilities. This was a shock to me 3 years ago, but this time I was prepared. The men and women practice on a 'hard' court. By hard court, they mean a cement court located outdoors at the Carenage. It is truly amazing how these athletes perform on such an unforgiving surface.

The Men's National team was very impressive. What stood out the most is their athleticism. They are not a big team by international standards, however their passion and intensity is. Again, volleyball has improved significantly the past three years because of the hard work by Nanan, the head coach.

Observations about the practice...the men are unafraid to dive on the cement...truly remarkable. They basically scrimmaged to allow me an opportunity to asses. Setting was good although I recognized no set plays and few quick attacks or back row attacks. Both setters are deceptive, however, do not jump set regularly. Platform passing has improved tremendously, however still lacks some control and consistent technique. Blocking is just okay. They swing block, but I'm not yet sure it is intentional. No triple blocking but a fairly consistent double block. They run a perimeter defense although there is not an easy flow. Attacking is pretty good. There are several very high leapers that can terminate. My first assessment...find our best attackers and find more ways to utilize them.

This was the first practice with little prior practice. Considering that, the team performed exceptionally well and I am very excited about their potential.

I had discussion with the team afterwards and was amazed what I learned. They receive no compensation for participation on the National Team. They do not have uniforms or practice gear, providing their own t-shirts, shoes, etc. They also provide their own transportation to practice. For me, this at first did not seem significant. To them, however, it is. Many live on the other side of the Island and it is about a 45 minute to 1 hour bus ride. From there, many still have to walk to their homes. Many have graduated secondary school and college and are working. They finish work and then come to practice.

Both the men and women make many sacrifices to play. They ask in return only two things; respect and recognition. I asked several why they make these sacrifices and they replied "Pride." They are very proud to represent their country. One (Andy Best, a tax collector) stated he is very proud to be on the National Team and only wished people in Grenada recognized him for his efforts. He said not many know about the National Volleyball teams and few recognize him as one of their athletes. He would like people to know how hard they work.

Some of my first priorities, organize transportation for the athletes from practice; help coordinate efforts to outfit the team in similar practice gear (mainly t-shirts) and help organize efforts to secure proper uniforms. Lastly, to promote these amazing athletes so their country can be as proud to watch them as they are to perform.