It seems kind of fitting that Kyla Richey will be working to wear the mighty Maple Leaf on Canada's birthday.
Kyla, 16, is one of only 50 athletes from across Canada who have been invited to a selection camp for the junior national volleyball team. The camp will take place at Trinity Western University (TWU) July 1 to 4.
Kyla was initially identified for the national team program through the Team Canada ID camp held in Sechelt last December. Similar ID camps were held throughout Canada. After the initial screening process, more than 150 identified players were evaluated through the club season as well as at provincials and nationals. The list was reduced to 50 athletes who received an invitation to the selection camp.
"I think my chances are kind of slim to make the team, but I'm going in with a really positive attitude," said Kyla. "It's a great experience to get an opportunity like this. I get to train with some of the best players and coaches in Canada. Making the team would be awesome."
The coaching staff for the junior national team includes Carol Hofer (TWU) and Jason Grieve (University of Waterloo).
After the three-day camp, the roster will be pared down to 12 to 14 players. The team will then train at TWU for the month of July in preparation for the North America/Central America/Caribbean Championships, which qualifies teams for the Junior World Championships. As well, athletes selected to the national team program receive Sport Canada funding and free tuition at any Canadian college or university.
"It's hard being her mom and her coach, but the feedback I've had is that Kyla is one of the top players at her position [middle] in the province," said Jan Richey. "It's a great opportunity for her. Certainly our goal is for her to make the national team, and we're all very excited."
If Kyla isn't successful at the national team camp, she plans to head to Kelowna one week later to try out for Team B.C.
A total of 64 girls from the province will be trying out at the camp for 24 spots (two teams of 12) that will compete at the provincial level.
To prepare for her whirlwind month of volleyball, Kyla has also been invited to attend a training session June 27 to 29 at the University of British Columbia.
