Heritage Hurricanes volleyball teams had two successful seasons

Jude Osmond

Heritage College’s Heritage Hurricanes’ volleyball seasons came to an end after two remarkable seasons for the men's and women's teams. Both teams ended up near the top of their respective divisions and had successful regular seasons.

Women’s team

The women's team ended the season with 17 wins and only four losses, setting a program-best record over the last three years. The team competed in the division three category, finished second in their conference, and won the qualifying playoff tournament, earning a spot in the regional tournament in Montreal.

Regionals didn't go the way they wanted. Still, Head Coach Shamri Hamit and assistant coach Annabelle Gendron explained that it was a very successful season, that not every team gets to go to regionals, and that it was very exciting for the team to attend.

Hamit mentioned that the team was extremely well-balanced, with a lot of first-, second-, and third-year students, making it well-balanced. “The experience from the third years, the hunger of the second years and the youth in the first years, balanced out the maturity and the drive,” Hamit stated.

Hamit and Gendron have been coaching this team for the last two years, and they mentioned they have been learning together. Every year that goes by, new strategies are taught and implemented, and they mentioned that they complement each other very well. “We're like good cop and bad cop.” Gendron said.

The girls got along very well throughout the season as the team practiced and participated in bonding activities that helped them really gel and build chemistry, which, in turn, helped them improve on the court. Hamit noted, “They built their friendships throughout the school day and then in the weight room and at practice.”

Hamit mentioned that the team was very talented and good at taking care of the ball, and Gendron added that defence was another of the team's strength.

Four of the players were selected for the RSEQ (Réseau du sport étudiant du Québec) all-star team award: Captain Vivian Britten, Aleah Shoemaker, Jessie Li and Audrey Hample.

Coaches Shamri Hamit and Annabelle Gendron won the coaching staff of the year for the section in division three.

Men’s team

The men’s team had a very successful season, winning 17 games and finishing second in their division. This is only the third year since the men's program started, and they have been in division three.

They ended up winning second place in the playoff after a heartbreaking loss in the gold medal game. Due to their successful season, they were allowed to move up to division two next season.

Head Coach Cynthia Grice noted that, even with the loss, it was still a successful season, as it was only their third year and they were already moving up. “Our goal this year was to move up to division two for next year, and we accomplished that,” Grice stated.

The team for the 2024-2025 season lost all but two players, leaving many positions vacant for this year. Grice mentioned that recruiting this year was super important: “Half of our team this year was first year.” Grice states.

The team plans to get ready for a more demanding schedule as they move into division two next year, but Grice has no worries, saying the team will be ready and hungry to win the gold medal.

The team ended up with two players selected to the RSEQ All-Star Team: both seniors and captains, Duncan Sloan and Alex Wyld. The men's team also brought home the coaching staff of the year award, with head coach Cynthia Grice and assistant coach Katie Cullum.

Both teams now enter their off-season training program to get in shape and be prepared for another long and challenging season of travelling and competitive play.