This was a busy and memorable week-end for both of my girls.
Lauryn and I were in Grand Bend on Saturday for a 12U beach volleyball tournament. Three teams formed with girls from Lauryn’s indoor team were playing and they finished 1st, 2nd and 3rd. It was a fantastic day and a real tribute to their indoor coach who teaches and inspires these young athletes to grow their skills. I found it hard to watch when the girls played against each other… I’m used to cheering very loudly (just ask the other parents) for every team member when they play indoor together, so I was definitely outside of my comfort zone. Beach Volleyball is also different in the sense that coaching can only come from one person at time-outs, so any encouragement can’t sound like “coaching”.
These girls played beautifully and their improvement over a very short beach season is amazing. I marvelled at their ability to manage the heat… thankfully the lake was close enough that they could jump in between matches. What is even more incredible is how easily they manage competing against each other… they transition seamlessly between their competitive mindset and the “let’s go dive in the water and have fun” mode. It’s exceptional and speaks to the bond they have formed through their indoor experiences.
Cailyn wasn’t with us on Saturday. She certainly would NOT have comfortably managed the heat and, more importantly, she got to hang out with her dear friend, Alessia, for almost 24 hours. Sleep-overs are already special times but this occasion was extra precious because Alessia is moving to California in a couple of weeks. It’s the first time that one of my girls’ close friends is moving away and we’re both finding it difficult because Alessia’s Mom is also a dear friend of mine! I am very grateful she has this memory!
Good luck to the Preds girls in their Provincials!