Smith “glad for the opportunity” to play in the volleyball bubble

“We didn’t have to get acclimated and deal with jet lag once and everything once we got into the bubble. We haven’t played together as a group since 2019 and we have an all-new coaching staff, a lot of new players, a lot of players retired this year and so it was really good to have some time before the tournament. Not a lot of time but a little bit to get to know each other.”

Smith says strict rules mean only roommates can eat together. There is a designated area on a nearby beach where they can go sit, but they can only leave their hotel at an allotted time and time outside is limited.

Canada lost its first match to Brazil 3-1 Tuesday and plays the US Wednesday afternoon. Smith says this is the first time Canada has been part of this tournament. She was on the team that won a qualification spot for Canada at this event and says this is something she wanted to be part of.

“I’m really glad I had the opportunity. I’m just curious where it is going to go. I never thought I would be playing as long as I have, and I feel really lucky that I am still able to, and doors kind of keep opening and it’s great. It’s great to have been able to see the growth of the program over my time with the national team.”

Smith is in her ninth year with the national program. She says she is trying to be a veteran leader.

“That’s kind of the role that you fall into, but I also like to make sure everybody is doing OK and help the young ones along. I remember when I was in that position and coming into the national team, it’s a pretty intimidating, overwhelming situation so me and a few other veteran players really try to work to make sure everybody feels included and comfortable, and they know what to expect.”

Smith played in Romania for four months before meeting up with Team Canada in Italy.

Smith says she never thought she could travel the world, play volleyball professionally, and represent her country while growing up in Beaverlodge.

“And I don’t even think I believed it until three years into playing with Team Canada that this is actually what I was doing. I think I had a bit of imposter syndrome for a while and I still get it sometimes. I was really lucky to have a few key people who pushed me a little bit and supportive parents who were willing to drive me all over the country and let me try out for teams and try out here and go to these camps.”

She adds a feeling of community is something that has stuck with her from growing up in Beaverlodge.

Games in the Volleyball Nations League bubble will continue well into June. Canada’s men’s team is also there. A complete schedule can be found here.

by Curtis Galbraith

Smith “glad for the opportunity” to play in the volleyball bubble

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