Members of the Twin Bridges Volleyball Club are looking back on 20 years of playing and coaching the sport they love.
The club — a non profit launched in 2004 by a group of volunteers looking to promote and develop the sport of volleyball in Lambton County — has grown substantially over the years, earning provincial and national recognition and becoming a cornerstone for community sports, members say.
Just this year, the club earned its first-ever provincial gold in the boys’ division.
“We’ve got some incredible people involved — passionate about the sport of volleyball — and it shows,” said coach Al Shaw, as part of a video package presented at the club’s recent annual awards gala, honouring players, coaches and volunteers, many who have been there since day one.
“We have a lot of former athletes who come back to coach, because of the community we’ve built as a volleyball centre,” added coach Brian Maxfield. “Everybody is committed to these athletes in allowing them to really figure out who they’re going to be as a volleyball player, and as an athlete.
“You need the entire team,” he continued. “You can be the best hitter; you can be the best passer; but you can’t do it on your own.”
The videos were compiled by Paradox Images owner Matthew Dochstader, who has passed on his own love for the sport to daughter, Taylor.
The club also awarded its prestigious Award of Distinction this year, to graduating player Alexa Kzyonsek.
The award is named after Barb Rigg-Garbaty, the driving force behind the club’s inception, along with founding members Lisa Bennett, Crystal Bourque, Allison Colbran, Sue Harrell, Laurie Leckie, Laurie Pearson, Mark Pretty, Stacey Smith and Dave Wu.
“I don’t have the energy that I used to have,” Rigg-Garbaty states in the video, pointing to 54 years playing the sport. “But I still love the game and I want to pass on that passion to the children so that they can do it forever.”
For more information about the Twin Bridges Volleyball Club and how to get involved, visit TBVC's website or follow them on social media.