A Family's Reflections,,,

Looking back over the season it entered my mind that maybe, just maybe this 15U Black team needs to change it's name to the 15U GOLD team because 'GOLD'en they were …all year. This team of exceptional athletes, coached by Kevin Hellyer and Lisa Elliot, were nothing short of a "dream team" with how they played and what they accomplished this year. Family, friends, spectators and even opponents bore witness to incredible displays of determination, skill and desire as the girls executed play after play to perfection time and time again.

And now as some head off to play for their regional teams at the Summer Games in Ottawa this year, and others to play beach on the OVA tour or whatever they decide to do, I'm sure many will contemplate September and what it will hold in store for them.

Never was this more true than it has been for Taylor Simons. For those of you who don't know Taylor, she lives in Stoney Creek. Yes, Stoney Creek, outside of Hamilton, on the way to Niagara and yes about 300 km round trip each practice to Durham. For those who know Taylor they know that she is a very serious, competitive player when it comes to volleyball, be it indoor or beach. She constantly strives to be her best and that means being pushed and challenged in the sport that she loves.

At the end of a rather successful indoor season with her club team from last year, Taylor approached her father and I and announced that she wanted to play for "the best" that Ontario had to offer and to her that meant Kevin Hellyer and Durham Attack. Taylor knew Kevin from over the years, had watched him coach and had talked to him on a number of occasions. I know, I know, many of you are probably saying that it is amazing that she did not run screaming as far away as possible, but I can honestly say that Taylor adored Kevin's passion and intensity for the sport and was thirsty for his knowledge and his coaching. There was no doubt in Taylor's mind that she wanted to play for Kevin and for Attack.

For anyone who knows us we have been a diehard volleyball family for many years, so as a family we sat down and made a list of the pro's and con's regarding going to Durham. On the CON side was of course the distance, the time and the cost of gas, the fact that Taylor was just entering high school (which would be a significant adjustment) and of course the weather. After all we do live in Canada.

On the PRO side Attack had more Provincial and National wins than any other club in Ontario, and Attack was consistently in the top 3-4 teams in every age division every year. Right there at the top of our list was that Attack by far had superior coaching that was deep and permeated the club from it's house league through to the 18U level, not to mention the best website we have ever seen. Attack was the club that everyone else aspired to be like. The club that scouts would go to watch at tournaments and the club that people liked to watch but hated to play against.

Attack was PERFECT for Taylor and so our journey began ...

300 km, 2-3 times a week for an approximate total of 18,720 km
216 hrs driving in a car
93% average in grade 9, thanks to mandatory studying in the car (unforeseen bonus ;-)
8 GOLD medals
2 Provincial Championship Titles
1 National Championship Title
the best teammates any athlete could want and
the best coaches in the OVA !
Being a member of the 2007/2008 Durham Attack Black Team … Now that is PRICELESS :-)

Many people ask us the question "was it worth it?" Will we come back next year? We have spent countless hours in the car, driven thousands of kilometres in the rain and snow, watched gas prices rise, paid countless 407 tolls, rolled into our home after midnight some nights only to have to rise at 6 a.m. the next day, but what we take away from this year is this: the fact that we were openly welcomed by coaches, players and parents from all the teams. We have developed countless friendships both on our team and other teams. We have grown to love volleyball even more than we did (if that is possible) and we confirmed with 100% certainty that our decision to join the Attack Family was indeed the best decision we have made in regards to volleyball since we joined the volleyball world some 7 or so years ago.

Our daughters have played for various clubs, Waterdown, Burlington, Halton and without a doubt Attack is by far the most incredible club we have ever had the pleasure of being a part of, and for those of you who have not experienced other clubs I can tell you that come September be grateful and relish the fact that Attack, by far, has the best, most dedicated and committed group of talented coaches available in Ontario.

And remember to thank each of them for being a part of the club because I can honestly say they are worth every minute we spent and every kilometre we drove. ATTACK IS THE PREMIÈRE VOLLEYBALL CLUB IN CANADA

That old cliché " there is no I in team" was never more evident than with this team this season. Each and every player on this team contributed to the overall success of the team this year, with each player having moments of brilliance on the court. That was one of the biggest reasons for this team's success (along with "ETTB"). There are some notable mentions that must be made for this season in recognition of the players who achieved them. At the 15U Provincial Championships Alanna Blenkarn received the OVA Award of Excellence, at the 16U Provincial Championships Emily Betteridge received the OVA Award of Excellence, at the Eastern Canadian Nationals Jazmine White was selected to the All Star Team and Emily Betteridge was chosen as the MVP of the tournament. At the Western Canadian Nationals Candice Ottey was selected to the All Star Team. At the Durham Attack 16th Annual Banquet Evhan Parrot was presented with the Leadership Award and Taylor Simons was presented with the Award of Excellence.

All photos...