In 2021, inspired by my Grade 11 daughter and her friends, I approached the North Shore Stars Volleyball Club with the idea of a satellite team. This team would practice in Whistler and travel for tournaments and games on the weekends instead of driving to Vancouver multiple times a week during the winter for practices. The North Shore Stars took us under their wing, and we created the Sea to Sky Stars Club Volleyball Team and a recreation league here in Whistler.
Getting the support of the North Shore Stars was only the first step. Gym time in Whistler is at a premium, and without the support of the high school and a teacher, namely Conor Niwinski, the gym time would not have been affordable. We also needed coaches to volunteer their time. It is the philosophy of the North Shore Stars, and the only way to make this opportunity affordable.
Fortunately, we had some remarkable coaches step forward. THANK YOU to Joanna Meltzer, John Taubenschlag and Georgina Titus for all the time they spent training the team and travelling to tournaments and games. Giving up their Monday and Friday evenings and some weekends from January to May was a huge commitment that was appreciated by all the players. The team had incredible wins this season, and it was because of the skills and training of the coaches that made it happen.
The recreation league was taught by Sara Jennings and Ken Achenbach. They gave 24 kids the chance to learn and play on Monday nights.
We have had many supporters in the community who helped make this happen, including all our silent auction donators. Shout out to Dave Nash from Splash Hot Tubs, who provided a gas firepit for the auction each of the last two years. Also, The Westin Resort & Spa, Sue Eckersley with Cornucopia, Whistler Sport Legacies, and so many others. A special thanks also to Bruce Stewart from Nesters Market, who promoted and held a barbecue fundraiser and provided additional gift cards to help offset the cost of travel and food for nationals in Calgary.
The U18 Sea to Sky Stars Team has improved tremendously over the last two years, and it has been a pleasure for me to help bring this team together and watch them play. Most of the players are graduating this year and moving on to post-secondary. This team will likely not continue due to lack of interest, especially with so many choices for sports in Whistler. With that, I would like to congratulate the Sea to Sky Stars on a great season and recognize the players on this year’s team: Annie Sproule, Ashley Pagsolingan, Bailey Boehm, Billie Horn, Carys Griffin, Felicity Cox, Jannah Quintanilla, Lauren Hamm, Natalie Bridge, Nicole Menth, Sage Eberhard, and Tatum Nash.
Wishing the team members all the best for the future.
.JPG;w=120;h=80;mode=crop)
