Reflections of a vball teacher and coach

This blog is pretty dull and dead.. Really unlike the vball team I know so let me just have a post contribution of my own..

Perhaps the reason that I am so attached to the vballers is that I played the game myself too. Looking at the girls getting laugh and scorned at for their lack of results reminded myself of my past too. Unlike the girls who can look back at Woodlands Sec or Queenstown as their former conquests, I cant remember a school that I have ever beaten before. The jeers and criticism of this team might be unfair for the team was but 3 years old. However in today's world, results matter and the lack of it therefore shows.

Or maybe the reason behind my passion for the team stemmed from the fact that I have always love sport games. Even if I'm posted to another sport CCA, I suspect that I will work wholeheartedly for the students too. It could also be due to the vball team being the first team I ever take charge of.

Whatever the reason, what I cant deny is my strong attachment to the vball girls. The time we had flew by rapidly. Remembering the first day of training when I was but a stranger in the hall to the recently concluded vball camp, many memories was shared. Sure there were downs for me but the upsides superceded the negativities.

I remember leading the team to Sembawang for a friendly. Yes we lost, but we gained respect through showing sportsmanship in greeting the other team after the game. I did not asked you all to do that. For you all to remember friendship counts above results, warms my heart.

I remember the first time you girls learn spiking actions. When long bean came to me and told me she has never spiked a decent ball before, it makes me happy to see you girls progressing. Indeed not only Marcio, Mark or myself have concurred that improvements could be seen from you girls, the other teachers who played against you all during the game agreed that you all have improved leaps and bounds. The credit does not belongs to me. Without a true sense of passion and willingness to improve, it would never have been possible.

I remember the first time we trained at ISH. You girls were so excited that we finally have a new home. Learning how to fix the net attentively and mastering it within minutes proved how much you want to play the game. I remember the after the school training sessions I had with a few of you. There were only so few of us. Surely not enough to play a game. However you were just happy to dig the ball and seek pointers from me on how to improve.

I remember too the almost incessant bugging to lend volleyball home. Playing with one another in the parade square when its so overbearingly hot was a sight to behold. Such acts convinced not only me but the onlookers how much feel you have for the game.

Of course there were some unhappy times though thankfully they were far and few between the happy memories. One particular incident during the hols training stick out when some of you were seemingly unappreciative of the efforts I put in for the bdae celebration. Emo Elmo saw through my lame attempt to remain nonchalent and text me her appreciation. Another incident that was not as pleasant was doing the exercises at the parade square where some of you just went through the motion.

Recalling such unhappy incidents are not meant to chatise any of you but just so to allow you girls to understand that in life, there may be unhappy incidents. But if we really learn to appreciate those around us and what we have, we will see that there are many things worth rejoicing over.

Volleyball camp was a particular highlight for me. I have looked forward to this camp for a long time. Despite some changes made to the duration and the program, I had a wonderful time. Of course who could forget the memorable campfire. From Shahida who set the tone with her honest and heartfelt rendition of why she joined vball, to the confessions of malay gang, to Jade remembering that I skipped going to the hospital for my piles and rashes, to the antics of JR gang or the twin's take on vball, my heart was filled with reluctance that the camp and my time as teacher in charge has to come to an end.

I honestly did not cry during the camp fire. That wasn't due to a lack of sadness or reluctance but more of a macho man instinct that I have cultivated through my many experiences. Perhaps as I said, the full enormity of it all will hit me when I see you girls going to training, pushing the volleyball cart.. without me. When you all shed tears and laughters duing our trainings and camp, I hope that I have made a difference no matter how small in some of your life, for you must all understand that each and everyone of you have made a difference in mine.

Do not give up your dream of excellence in volleyball. All of you are still young and had a long long journey awaiting you. Keep working hard of course not only in vball but your primary role of studies, and victory will eventually come your way. I promise if my schedule allows, you will see me in the court beside you girls again. No matter what, while we the vball family may be slightly in the rut currently, we will perserve and push on. Victory will be sweet, and it will belongs to us.

CHR Jia You!