Here we go again! 2011 getting started

After spending the winter months training in Toronto, the 2011 season is finally starting to get underway. There have been a few changes for me since last season. First of all, our training location has changed. The national teams now train out of the Downsview Hangar in north Toronto. It’s an old airplane hangar that has been converted into a sports centre. It’s pretty neat because our beach courts are surrounded by indoor soccer fields and a ball hockey rink. In other news, I have a new partner! I will be playing with Caleigh Whitaker for the 2011 summer season. Although she’s younger than me, I’m pretty sure she’s been playing beach volleyball for a lot longer. She had some amazing results last year like coming in 2nd at the Kelowna tournament and 4th at Nationals. She also went to junior worlds in Turkey. She’s an awesome defender and I’m really looking forward to start competing with her. Our first tournament together this year will be in Sanya, China followed by Shanghai, then Morelia, Mexico… all in one trip! We’ll be on the road for about 4 weeks during April and May. There’s a tournament in Guatemala coming up in 3 weeks, but Caleigh can’t make it because all of her exams are happening during that time! So, while Caleigh is studying and writing her exams, I will be going to Guatemala with Jamie Broder. Jamie and I played our first tournament together last year in the Cayman Islands, so it’s funny that it worked out that we could play again this year. I’m so excited to get outside and play!