Kyla Richey was selected for the junior national volleyball team after a successful tryout camp last week.
"She's on cloud nine," said mom Jan. "This is an incredible opportunity for her."
Kyla, 16, was one of only 50 athletes from across Canada who were invited to the selection camp at Trinity Western University (TWU). 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. Kyla is now training in Vancouver with the team for the next two weeks.
The squad is then off to Austin. Tex. on July 16 where they will train for eight days and compete in an international exhibition tournament.
Following that, the team returns to Canada for more training and another tournament in Calgary.
Kyla returns to the Coast at the end of July.
"After that, the team won't get together again until next summer. But the coaches will be in regular contact with all the players," Jan said. "The team is trying to qualify for the World Championships next year. All the girls will be on a set training schedule, so it will still be pretty intense. The first day of the camp she was pretty nervous, but I think all the girls were. She played very well and all the coaches rated her very high in their evaluations."
Athletes selected to the national team program receive Sport Canada funding and free tuition at any Canadian college or university. But each player also has to fundraise for expenses.
"It's hard to believe, but we do have to fundraise in order for her to play," Jan said. "If anyone would like to help out with some sponsorship, it would be appreciated."
To offer assistance, call Jan at 604-885-3707.
