By Sam Cortes, Communications Coordinator
Every month leading up to the 2022 Canada Summer Games, we’ll feature some of the dedicated coaches who spend countless hours giving back to sport.
Let’s get to know Alix Krahn, Head Coach for Women’s Indoor Volleyball, and Mike Stephens, Head Coach for Men’s Indoor Volleyball.
How long have you been coaching this sport?
Alix: I have been coaching women’s volleyball for roughly nine years. I got involved because I wanted to give back to my sporting community and I wanted to see more women leading and coaching in sport.
Mike: I’ve been coaching volleyball for over 15 years and became involved because I wanted to give back to the community and teach athletes a sport that has shaped me into the person I am today.
What do you love most about coaching?
Alix: The thing I love most about coaching is creating meaningful relationships with the athletes that I have the privilege of coaching. I feel honoured to be connected to these athletes as they journey through life. I have many proud moments as a coach, including successful results and helping athletes to reach their full potential in sport. But if I have to pick one accomplishment, then I would say watching the young women that I coach go on to lead successful lives and careers both inside and outside of sport.
Mike: Teaching, mentoring, and being a positive role model is what drives me. Aside from many team accomplishments over the years, I am most proud when athletes buy into the messaging and set goals for themselves and reach them. Whether it’s a skill, striving for a championship, or trying to pursue the sport at a higher level (college, university, pro leagues or representing Team Canada). An athlete’s hard work, dedication, and sacrifice is what makes me proud.
What is your team doing in preparation for the Games?
Alix: Our team has not been selected, but we have been running skills sessions for the athletes who want to be a part of the CSG athlete identification process. We have also asked those athletes to fill out surveys so we can get to know them better. As a coaching staff, we meet monthly in order to stay connected and ensure that when we are given the green light to return to full participation in sport, we are ready.
What are the team goals for the 2022 Canada Games?
Alix: As the 2022 CSG Coaching staff, we are committed to providing an excellent high-performance sport experience for the 2022 CSG athletes. In order to achieve this, we will do our best to develop each athlete in a holistic way taking into consideration how their mind, body, heart and soul work together. It is our belief that by committing to this developmental process, we will be successful at the games in Niagara and that these athletes will take the skills they learn from this experience with them into their future.
Mike: We’re going for a podium finish.
Any words of wisdom for your team going into the 2022 Canada Games?
Alix: That each and every one of us is enough, that we have everything we need, and that ultimately our ability to dig deep and preserve no matter happens will determine our success.
Mike: Our team philosophy consists of the 3 Cs.
Consistency – be consistent in your training, preparation, behavior, nutrition, etc.
Connectivity – stay connected with your teammates, coaches and support staff. You can’t do this alone.
Communicative – communicate with your teammates, coaches and support staff. Assumptions can work against you.
