WATCH: 18U Black Rhinos Club Volleyball Award Winners

Left to right: U18 Rhinos Calei Penner, Isabella Antoniuk, and Tatum Rachynski with Michael Menzies.

Transcription:

Michael Menzies: “Michael Menzies here at the Bonnyville and District Centennial Centre as the Rhinos Volleyball Club wraps up their season with their annual awards banquet. We are in the community thanks to our sponsors: Bluewave Energy Bonnyville, Xtreme Oilfield Technology, and Caoutte and Sons Implements. I’m joined by three young volleyball players. I’ll let you ladies introduce yourselves.”

Tatum Rachynski: “I am Tatum Rachynski and I am the right side for the U18 Rhinos.”

Isabella Antoniuk: “I am Isabella Antoniuk, and I play left side for the U18 Rhinos.”

Kaylee Penner: “I’m Kaylee Penner, and I play middle for the U18 Rhinos.”

Michael: So, everything’s sort of wrapped up here. We’re just doing the final raffle draws and everything like that. Each team, and there were many Rhinos teams, got recognized here tonight. What did you make of the evening overall?

Tatum: “It was a really good time. I liked seeing all the teams come together to enjoy our great season that we all had.”

Michael: “And was it a good season. Bella, what did you think?”

Isabella: “I think it was a wonderful season. I love playing with these girls and everyone else, and I had such a good time.”

Michael: “Do you echo those sentiments? Did you enjoy yourself?”

Calei: “It was a wonderful season with a good group of girls, yeah.”

Michael: “Okay, good. Well, we got a bit of insight from your coach about how it ran—the practices, the fun on those road trips. You three are award winners from your team. Tell me about the awards you won tonight.”

Tatum: “I won the CRASH Award, which is given to a player who puts a lot of time and dedication into the sport and who essentially just gives it their all.”

Michael: “Is it true that you’ve been traveling from Edmonton?”

Tatum: “Yes. I was at the University of Alberta and came home every weekend for practices.”

Michael: “So it’s interesting—you’re in university but still in the club system. You get to live out this volleyball dream because you love the game, right?”

Tatum: “Yes, of course. I loved coming back. I wasn’t ready to be done last year. It was great to be able to extend my season.”

Michael: Your coach had mentioned that there were graduates on the team, you’re done, but you loved it and it was great to see you recognized with that award. Bella, what is your award?

Isabella: “Most Improved.”

Michael: “Most Improved. So, someone noticed the hard work you put in throughout the year. How did you feel as the season progressed? Do you agree with the award?”

Isabella: “I do agree. At first, I felt like I wasn’t very good or a part of the team, but as the tournaments went on, I felt more included and confident.”

Michael: It’s fair to say you’re one of the younger players on the team. You’re still playing high school volleyball, right? So, you’re playing against older age categories.

Isabella: “Yes, right.”

Michael: “Kaylee, what award did you win tonight?”

Calei: “The MVP Award.”

Michael: “Most Valuable Player? No big deal, huh?”

Calei: “No big deal. I’m super proud of myself. I couldn’t have done it without my team. I’m proud of us for getting here and being able to come back and see everyone.”

Michael: “Where are you in your volleyball journey? Is there a possibility of returning, or are you looking elsewhere?”

Calei: “I’ve still got a year left of high school, so there’s the school season and club season next year too. Hopefully, I’ll be back here.”

Michael: “Tatum, as one of the older players on the team, what do you think about the younger players’ dedication?”

Tatum: “It’s great to see. I love the passion these two have for the sport. Calei is looking into post-secondary volleyball, which I love to see. It’s awesome to see them learn and appreciate the sport.”

Michael: “What lessons have you learned from the commitment of traveling so much to play?”

Calei: “Just to keep cool in tough situations and keep your love for the game at the forefront.”

Isabella: “Yes, definitely commitment.”

Michael: “Anything else? I’m sure there are people you want to thank.”

Tatum: “”I’d like to thank my parents and my boyfriend who attended many tournaments. He was almost like another member of the team, very supportive.”

Michael: “Bella, anyone you want to thank?”

Isabella: “I want to thank my coaches, my parents, everyone who helped, and all the sponsors.”

Calei:  “I’d like to thank my dad and my brothers for always bringing energy around the court.”

Michael: “That was easy, right? Thank you, ladies. Ray, are you ready for your close-up? How are you doing?”

Ray Dechaine: “I’m good, how are you?”

Michael: “Not too bad. You were put on the spot at the end as Coach of the Year. You got 10 out of 15 possible votes. You must have done something right?”

Ray: “I guess so. It was pretty special to receive something like that…I loved it. I’ve coached a lot of volleyball and hockey in the past. My son’s done with hockey now, so I can focus solely on volleyball. I connect with my athletes, making it personal, fun, and serious. I’ve been told I balance fun and seriousness well.”

Michael: “Emotions are such a big part of the game. Tell me about your team and the highs and lows.”

Ray: “Our U13 and U14 teams have fluid rosters, moving players depending on the tournament. We solidified our rosters after Premier 2. My team of 12 was very tight-knit. They bonded and supported each other, allowing us to make mistakes without dwelling on them. We were the only rural team in Division 1 U14. We played some undefeated teams and took them to three games a few times.”

Michael: “Playing with a competitive edge helps in the long run. It’s about the process, not just the results.”

Ray: “Exactly. It’s about the long-term process. Success today might not be what you want it to be, but it’s about where we are now. My co-coach Maddie and I were on the same page with everything, making it easy and awesome.”

Michael: “Finally, a word about the Rhinos program. It’s impressive to see the support and the number of people at the banquet.”

Ray: “We have a committed group. Scott [Cameron], our president, is experienced and knowledgeable. Our culture is growing, and everyone is positive. We’re creating volleyball monsters here. It’s awesome to see graduating players going to the ACAC and beyond.”