The volleyball program has not played since joining Canada West
At the beginning of 2020, the women’s volleyball team was gearing up for an exciting year as they transitioned to a new conference with a new team and a relatively new coaching staff. That was all put on hold due to COVID-19, as most sports stopped competing in conferences or organized school matches, and only some sports continued competing at all. Fifth-year setter Kara Williams was training with the team, preparing for her final year with the program when the news came down that the season would be cancelled.
For Williams, her commitment hasn’t wavered when it comes to helping the team, and she enjoys her role as a leader. This is all despite the fact that this is likely her final year with the Cascades.
“Well, I’ve actually taken a lot of time to think about this because this is my last year. This was going to be my last year of eligibility, and I finish school next semester, so there’s really no point in me returning and spending lots of money to just play volleyball.”
For many athletes, the situation would be heartbreaking, especially with the program joining a new conference to play different schools and play at a new level of competition. Williams believes that everything happens for a reason, and said that though it took her time to accept the situation, she has reimagined her role for the team this year.
“For me this year, my goal is just giving back to my team and making them the best that they can be when they make their U Sports debut, and I’ll be sitting front row in the bleachers when they do that for sure next year,” Williams said.
The year has been difficult for many players. Williams sees positivity and leadership as things she can provide for new players who are learning how to be Cascades.
“That’s just my goal: to really support my team, be a positive presence, try and leave my legacy within the players that are there, and to help them understand the UFV culture and help them teach new players every year,” Williams said. “I just want to be there for my team and help them become the best that they can be, even though that may only be in practice.”
The COVID-19 pandemic became the number one topic in sports during March of this year, when U Sports and nearly every other league started cancelling events and conference play. For Williams, it was fortunate that the volleyball team’s season had just ended, as the team was playing in the PacWest conference championships.
“Luckily, our provincials had already finished by the time COVID-19 really started to get big. Unfortunately, we didn’t make it to nationals last year so that didn’t affect us either, but a lot of U Sports teams and even the PacWest nationals were cancelled.”
The team spent time finding ways to circumnavigate the problems of lockdown, making up for a lack of practices and meetings in person. They watched game films and had team projects, kept up to date with their Zoom meetings, and stayed focused for whenever they would be able to resume their regular activities. As it turns out, the team was never really able to get back to the way things were before the pandemic this year, but they were able to practise during the fall, get to know each other, and bond as a team.
The team continues to press on through these challenges, and players like Williams are driving the team with their leadership and positivity despite such difficult circumstances.
