Volleyball Canada Centre of Excellence is excited to announce the addition of Ben Ball to the coaching line up in the Fraser Valley Centres.
Ben will be working in FV West and establishing a Boys program in FV East (Abbotsford).
Ryan Adams, VCCE Lead Coach, commented earlier ‘Having Ben come into the centres and able to work with our development athletes is a great opportunity for the athletes to learn from Ben’s passion and receive quality development’. As a product of the MEI volleyball program, Ben understands what it takes to win and excel in our sport.
A great playing resume that includes 2 CIS National Championships, Canada West and CIS First Team All-star, Canada West and CIS Player of the Year, CIS National Championship MVP, Canada West Athlete of the Year, TWU Spartans Athlete of the Year, and Sport BC University Athlete of the Year set Ben apart.
Ben has recently turned his passion for the game into a coaching career with TWU Men’s team while already putting a 15U Provincial championship with FVVC under his belt.
Recently, Dawna Sales, VCCE Program Manager, sat down with Ben to hear his thoughts on the coaching and the VCCE program.
Why do you love coaching?
I’ve began to love coaching because of the new challenges it has brought me. It has given me a whole new perspective on volleyball. But the biggest reason I love it is because of the relationships I have developed so far; it is so fun getting to know the players, the parents, and other coaches.
What inspires you? (when coaching or in life)
Progress. I feel like players and myself can improve so much every day, there are so many aspects of volleyball and it is exciting that the game is always changing. I also love seeing players develop personally. Seeing them grow up and mature and then become elite athletes. Coaching is very rewarding to me, and the majority of it doesn’t come from volleyball.
What perspective do you bring the centre of excellence?
As a setter, I have a lot of tips and tricks for the position, I am also Assistant Coaching for the TWU Spartans Men’s Volleyball team and am primarily working with the setters. Being coached for over 8 years by Ben Josephson (Spartan’s Head Coach) and now coaching with him has given me a lot of ideas and training tips in all areas of volleyball, and I am excited to begin to use them. I will also bring a fun environment, Volleyball is just a game and it is important that it doesn’t become overwhelming. You have got to enjoy something in order to really get better at it.
Why is the centre so important in terms of development of athletes?
Other than physicality, what separates high school volleyball players is usually time. Even with that, a well trained player who is smaller, can still be as effective than a poorly trained athlete. The center focuses on skills that will put you on any Volleyball team if you master them.
Look for more coaching profiles and additions to the coaching team with the VCCE.
Check out vcce.ca for more information and to find a centre near you.
