I would like to shine light on Corey Lane who has always been there to work me to my full potential. As a volleyball coach, you were there to teach the basic skills of movement, communication, diving, spiking, volleying… but you taught me so much more than what you signed up for.
First of all, we grew up knowing that we weren’t guaranteed a spot on the team or the starting line up; we were replaceable, which was a life lesson within itself. We were taught to never take situations or people for granted while we learned to accept defeat with pride, victory with praise, and represent our school, our coaches, and our biggest supporters, our parents, with upmost respect. Our girls learned to work together, communicate with each other, and to be determined, devoted, and committed to our team.
As an adult, still committed to the game, I’ve learned that all of the things Corey taught us has helped each and every one of us become the ladies we are today. We are devoted individuals who still dream of playing the same, hard-core, intense, high school volleyball while we are entering our 30’s. When we find each other in our paths along the Volleyball courts around the province, we reminisce about “that one time at Papermakers” or “that 3A championship that we won in our hometown”.
Corey Lane, you were the glue to our team… we felt the disappointment when we came up short, but boy did it feel good to make you proud!
I cannot reiterate how much your dedication is appreciated, both then and now. As an adult, I see how difficult it can be to dedicate time in the evenings to a bunch of volleyball-crazed girls, while trying to still enjoy the married life and parenting. Karen Lane must be a saint for letting us take up the majority of your time back then. In any case, I’m sure I will never be able to say this enough, but … #ThanksCoach