By DAVID WINER Six-time OVA Provincial champions during their Mississauga Pakmen club careers, last year’s U18 graduates haven’t forgotten how to win. What they have learned is there’s more than one way to judge success. During their five years with the Pakmen, Jordan Figueira, Alex Reiner, Andrew Smondulak, Jonathan Reid, Parvir Jhajj and Sharone Vernon-Evans were a nightmare to come up against on the court. Beginning with their U14 year in 2012 the Pakmen occupied the podium’s top tier capturing six provincial indoor titles in five years. As years passed, the likes of Taryq Sani, Jordan Pereira, Jakson Paterson, Malcolm Pentice, Tomas Sorra and Xander Ketrzynski helped ensure the Pakmen would remain supreme. Now, looking back at their successes, these Pakmen graduates have grown to realize there’s a number of ways to evaluate success, with post-secondary school educations, courage and compassion being just a few of the components. While 2016 underagers Sorra and Ketrzynski remain in the Pakmen program under the elite leadership of head coach Orest Stanko, the other 10 former Pakmen have branched out in different directions, but have continued to flourish. For instance, Reiner and Figueira, chose to attend the University of Toronto. But while Figueira proceeded to star for the Varsity Blues, Reiner chose to concentrate on academics in the Architectural field. Figueira not only made the Blues as a setter, he stood out, being named the OUA East Division Rookie of the Year. The native of Oakville appeared in all 18 matches, ranked sixth among OUA setters, averaging 9.12 assists per set. The 6-foot graduate of St. Thomas Aquinas Secondary School also finished inside the OUA top 10 with 1.87 digs per set. While becoming the first Varsity Blues player since the 2000-01 season to win the award, Figueria, who is juggling a Major in Commerce, also led Toronto in both sets played (68) and service aces (18). And in 12 of the Blues’ 18 matches, Figureira logged more than 30 assists. “The transition from club ball to the university level is difficult to adjust to since there are a lot more hours spent in the gym and each individual game has to be prepared for and has a lot of importance,” said Figueira, who was joined by Queen’s Golden Gaels’ middle Prentice on the OUA East All-Rookie Team. Meanwhile Pereira, a Libero with the McMaster Marauders, made the OUA West All-Rookie squad and Sani, an outside hitter with the University of Alberta Golden Bears, made the Can-West All-Rookie Team. “Pakmen and Orest prepared me for the university level by helping me develop the skills I needed to perform at this level and by having me in the gym for enough hours a week to allow for a fairly smooth transition with respect to the increase in practices and workouts per week,” added Figueira. And while the Varsity Blues failed to make the OUA final four, which was inhabited by the Ryerson Rams, Smondulak’s Waterloo Warriors, and Paterson’s Guelph Gryphons, Figueira explained, “We were a young team in a predominantly older league and had trouble in long, five-set games which ultimately led to our defeat in certain big games for us.” All the more reason for Figueira to be thrilled with his award. “I was extremely proud to have won (it); there are tons of really good young players in the league and to have the opportunity to receive this award is very humbling.” Figueira admits that between studies and volleyball there was precious little time to remain in touch with last year’s teammates, but the strong connection remains there. “I have briefly stayed in contact with some of my former teammates; whether it was playing against them, or briefly texting others to catch up. It’s tough considering most of our team has had great success over the past year and everyone is either at school or working hard on whatever path they chose in life.” Speaking of different paths, Vernon-Evans took his skills to Gatineau, Quebec to train at the Canadian National Team Training Centre. “When I was making my decision, I was looking at things I needed to focus on to further my volleyball career, such as strength and weight training as well as working on bettering my individual skills like serving and passing,” explained the Scarborough native for his unconventional move. “Pakmen helped me develop discipline as well as giving me a base foundation for my game such as: Passing, serving, setting and hitting. These things have helped me be able to add to my game, instead of starting from scratch once I got to the full-time training centre.” A tower of power with great leaping ability and an 89-inch wingspan, the 6-foot-9 Vernon-Evans could be described as a string bean teen before moving to Quebec. “My strength has improved tremendously since I’ve been here!,” said Vernon-Evans. “I have learned how to control my spin serve and be able to manipulate the ball with my wrist only and not my full arm. I have learned how to play the Team Canada system, which has helped increase my overall performance.” One thing Sharone didn’t have to learn was his way around a kitchen. An accomplished cook, Vernon-Evans enjoys planning his daily meals. “I often try to cook new things every day and keep things new and fresh,” said Vernon-Evans. “I go to the grocery store every day for fresh food and new ideas on what to make. I find it very relaxing, so I always am looking to try to cook a great meal. I can take my time now, because I am just cooking for myself. Which is great.” Another thing that worked out great was Vernon-Evans’ club career. “Pakmen has been great for me! They have supported and guided me through all my years and helped open doors for me, which has gotten me to where I am today.” While Vernon-Evans deserves courage for his decision to leave home and begin preparing for a life as a professional player, Sani

By DAVID WINER Every year the Mississauga Pakmen Volleyball Club bids farewell to its graduates as they prepare for the next chapter in their lives. And much like high schools, the Pakmen attempt to ready their U18 players for what lies ahead. They are, after all, the club’s ambassadors to the outside world. A well-rounded, mature player and individual is what the club strives to develop. Making a good impression in the court of public opinion across the post-secondary landscape, paves the way for future generations of Pakmen grads. That is why 2016 girls’ U18 Pakmen coach Mike Albert was so thrilled about the accomplishments of last year’s graduates as the collegiate season drew to a conclusion March 19. As emissaries for the Pakmen club, last year’s graduates earned an A+ grade. In all, five graduates from the U18 girls’ program were named to All-Rookie Teams. “The coaching staff was very happy to see all (our) players recruited to varsity teams across the country,” said Albert. “It was an extra bonus to see so many players recognized with awards in their rookie varsity year.” Albert’s daughter Janelle, who is still in high school and again with this year’s U18 squad headed up by Albert, is the lone player from 2016 not in college or university. “I’ve been fortunate to run into every player this winter,” continued Albert, who guided the 2016 Pakmen to Provincial OVA gold. “I’ve been present at certain matches, watched live stream games, and even had players join our current 18U team practice over the holidays. “A lot of great memories (resurface) when you see them, and (we) coaches still find ourselves talking about those memories.” Albert also appreciates the opportunity to improve as a coach when he watches his graduates in action. “It definitely helps watching players you’ve coached play at the varsity level. To understand the transitional successes, or the required improvements (needed) from our coaching efforts moving forward. Understanding how to prepare athletes for the next level is important to us. “Although we are training the athletes to win championships during each club season, we always try to keep the big picture in sight with respect to long-term athlete development,” added Albert. “Certain skill levels are sufficient to compete at the club level, but as coaches, we remind ourselves the skill investment is not over until we believe it will achieve varsity level success.” To that desired end, a job well done. The following list includes graduates from the U18 girls’ team, along with the colleges and universities they are attending, their positions, hometowns and the courses they are Majoring in. Lauren Veltman – Ryerson Rams, Middle, Brampton (Child and Youth Care) Kristen Burns – University of New Brunswick Varsity Reds, Middle, Mississauga (Engineering) Julia Balatbat – Brock University Badgers, Libero, Scarborough (Media and Communications) Emma Armstrong – University of Toronto Varsity Blues, Left Side, Brooklin, (Kinesiology) Julia Krebs – Outside Hitter, Oakville, Royal Military College Paladins Cailin Wark – Ryerson Rams, Outside Hitter, Georgetown (Geographic Analytics) Melissa Langegger – University of Western Ontario Mustangs, Left Side, Oakville (Kinesiology) Mady Timpany – Ryerson Rams, Setter, Woodstock (Arts) Jessica Lam – University of Western Ontario Mustangs, Setter, Oakville (Health Sciences) Brenna McArthur – Sheridan College Bruins, Libero, Milton (General Arts and Science) Of the above first-year post-secondary players, Veltman, Armstrong and Wark were named to the OUA (Ontario University Athletics) East All-Rookie Team, Langegger made the OUA West Rookie Team and Burns made the Atlantic University Sport All-Rookie squad. Langegger and Burns were also named Rookie of the Year in the OUA West and Atlantic University Sport conferences respectively. And, as a result of their efforts, Western’s Langegger and Lam were members of the OUA silver medalists; Armstrong was a part of the perfect 19-0 Blues, who captured bronze; and Veltman, Wark and Timpany pushed the U of T to four sets (25-23 in the final), to place fourth. “Being named Rookie of the Year in the OUA West division and being a part of the OUA All-Rookie Team was a huge honour, especially given the number of talented rookies in the OUA this year,” said the 5-foot-10 Langegger. “Going into the year this was not something that was even on my radar screen. “My goal was simple – work really hard and try to get some court time on a talented Mustangs team. In reflecting on the year there were really three things that made this possible; great coaching, hard work and unbelievable team chemistry. I definitely owe it to my club coaches (Mike Albert and Pat Daniels), as well as my coaches at Western (Melissa and Randy Bartlett) for believing in me and constantly pushing me to improve as an athlete. I am also very grateful to have been able to play with such fantastic teammates, first at Pakmen and now at Western. These girls, who really are my best friends, have always been there to support and mentor me, so a lot of my success is due to them.” Langegger gives Albert and Daniels two thumbs up when it comes to preparing their players. “I believe the Pakmen program was instrumental in helping me make a successful transition into the OUA with the Mustangs. I started my volleyball career later than most girls,” said the Abbey Park Secondary School graduate, “so I had to play catch up most of the time. Coach Albert saw that I had the ability to compete at a high level and provided me with the opportunity I needed. He provided great knowledge of the game, intense practices, one-on-one coaching time, and a genuine interest in me as a player. “Even though I was still developing as a player, he also showed confidence in me and gave me the opportunity to play in big games, which really made a huge difference, accelerating my development as a player and strengthening the mental aspects of my game. My two years at Pakmen were absolutely phenomenal. I played for a

It’s Monday night in Mississauga. Deep in the heart of the suburbs, a group of grade 12 girls clusters outside a nondescript middle school, laughing, chattering, on their phones. But these girls look taller than average, and stronger. They’re clad in sweatshirts, track pants, socks and sandals in spite of the cold. Volleyball wear. It’s practice time for the girls of Pakmen Gold. It might seem like any other season as they wander into the gym, but it’s not. There are less tournaments, and the rosters have been whittled down to those who truly love the sport. The competition is tougher. There’s the pressure of keeping grades up, choosing universities, and trying to establish a winning legacy for the team. Welcome to 18U, the final year of club volleyball. Pakmen veteran Caitlin Le has played for the club since 13U, when she was memorable for her unique eyewear and outsize hitting which was the envy of the league. She already knows it will be a wrench when the season ends. “I will definitely feel like a part of me has been left in the club,” says Le. She plays libero now, and her black-rimmed sports goggles have long since been replaced by contact lenses. “Pakmen is where my roots are,” she adds, “I have made many fond memories over the past years and will cherish them forever.” Hard-working International Baccalaureate student Julia Wiercigroch echoes Le’s sentiments, and observes, “I’ll miss that sense of family. Pakmen gave me the volleyball foundation to build on, and space to grow.” Wiercigroch has been by Le’s side since those early days, but that too will end. Whereas Le will head west in September to study and play at Manitoba’s Brandon University, Wiercigroch will travel east, to Queen’s University in Kingston. For all the girls, the end of the journey is also a beginning. Post-secondary decisions, despite being squeezed in between practices, workouts, and homework, have been a chance to reflect on the volleyball experience. “In addition to a great kinesiology program, I was looking for a university with a close-knit community, great coaching, and supportive teammates,” explains third-year Pakmen hitter Lucy Glen-Carter, who will attend Nova Scotia’s Acadia University in the fall, “They’re all things I have at my club.” The importance of belonging is not lost on any of the players. Middle Jenna Woock joined Pakmen this year, but first played with Le, Wiercigroch, Glen-Carter, and Janelle Albert in 15U, when they won the Winter Games title with Team Ontario Region 5. For Woock, the 18U year has never been about chasing medals. “It’s about training and playing with the right girls, working with the right coaches, and competing at the highest level,” says Woock, who became the first Ontario player to commit this season, signing with the University of Toronto last September. Fearsome hitter Janelle Albert has chosen to stay close to home as well, joining Dustin Reid’s Ryerson Rams, where she will reunite with three former teammates from last year’s Pakmen 18U roster. She also highlights the importance of finding a team that’s the right fit, and adds that volleyball is about more than just ball-handling skills. “Teamwork, trust, and the ability to correct your own errors are also important skills to learn,” notes the perennial All-Star. As setter Alicia Lam considers university offers, she too acknowledges the sport’s impact. “Club volleyball has been such a positive influence on my life,” says Lam, who was part of the historic Pakmen team which won the 16U and 17U Ontario Championship double in 2015. “My coaches are knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the sport and they focus on sharing that knowledge to ensure everyone’s success,” she declares. “I have also made many great friends over the years, and I hope to stay in touch with them in the future.” Those friends include the other members of Pakmen Gold. Beth Rohde has, like Le and Glen-Carter, opted for a more intimate university experience. She will study biomedical sciences and play at Trent University in Peterborough. Middle Megan Beedie plans to head south of the border to Arizona State, and Alex Bartmann will set at Humber Polytechnic next season. Hitters Vanessa Leslie and Nicole Thompson continue to weigh their options, as does libero Megan Smith. Given the formidable reputation of the Pakmen club, it’s no surprise that the girls are in demand. Nine of the players are former provincial or national champions. Most of them are on the honour roll at their high schools. The team recently defeated rival Halton Hurricanes in the 18U Grand Prix final, and are the number one seed heading into the Ontario Championships. They all know how they’d like to finish the year. So while life after high school beckons, the team isn’t wishing the season away just yet. Like all grade 12 students, they’d like to be done with the English essays, the science labs, and the math tests. If prom was tomorrow, they’d be there. But it comes to volleyball, it’s a different story. And that’s why, on a frozen Monday night in Mississauga, the Pakmen Gold girls will soon be flat out on the floor, diving, digging, rolling. They know that it’s a privilege to be recruited by a varsity team, or to contend for the provincial and national titles. And they know there are other players, at other clubs, in other gyms, who are training just as hard as they are. For now, there’s work to be done.