Hudson’s Hope Volleyball president talks club’s growing pains, new coaches

HUDSON’S HOPE, B.C. — The head of the newest volleyball program in the peace region sees this off-season as further development for her fledgling program.

The Hudson’s Hope Volleyball Club (HHVC) started last December, after club president and head coach Amber White announced its founding, with players she had coached at  Hudson’s Hope Elementary-Secondary School. 

Jumping straight into competition, the club – nicknamed the Volts – played at the Fort St. John Icebreaker Volleyball tournament in January. 

“Essentially, we just focused on practices, games and tournaments, and put all the club business on the back burner,” said White. “However, this year the focus is to get a more established club.”

As a small community, White had to amalgamate girls aged 13 to 16 to field a competitive squad.

While fielding a younger squad of girls up to 13 is a long-term goal, White says this season she’d like to focus on a team of girls aged 14 to 16.

At last week’s annual general meeting, the Volts also installed new coaches to the program: Hanna Grover and Lana Huxley.

Both coaches bring experience as players and coaches, with Huxley having coached for over three decades, and Grover with experience both on and off the court.

“We may start trying to foster a younger group once we get this team established, that can maybe play next year,” explained White.

While the young squad did experience tournament play, White says they consistently ranked “in the middle” during competitions.

She added a highlight of the season was finishing fourth in their last tournament in Grande Prairie.

White, who received Volleyball BC accreditation for U-15, hopes to continue building sponsorships and connections with the region to give the club an established presence going forward.

For more details about the Hudson’s Hope Volts Volleyball squad or how to register or become a sponsor, please contact White at 778-582-0242.