Peyton M.

Five words you can use to describe yourself on the court.

1. Determined
2. Focused
3. Tenacious
4. Confident
5. Passionate

Five words you can use to describe yourself off the court.

1. Disciplined
2. Strong-willed
3. Outgoing
4. Committed
5. Motivated

DUE TO COVID – ALL COMPETITIONS ARE POSTPONED FOR NOW

As a former Competitive Gymnast and Competitive Dancer, I came to Volleyball relatively ‘late’ and began my volleyball career in 14U. I simply loved the game and fortunately was provided the opportunity to play competitively! As I am accustomed to 20+ hours a week training, given my previous dance experience, I also trained privately in order to develop my technical volleyball skills and ensure a strong contribution to my team. This commitment and dedication paid off as I was encouraged by a number of coaches to attend their Club tryouts the following year. This hard work and dedication to further my athletic development allowed me to land on a top competitive team and in the starting lineup in 15U.

My development as a player was further reinforced with a commitment to ASAD (Athletic Student Athlete Development program overseen by the Ontario Volleyball Association) where I trained ½ days 5 days a week with both on court technical training and strength training to further support both my development as an athlete and therefore my contribution to my team. In this program, I learned to love Strength Training and Conditioning and cannot wait for time in the gym and weight training! I always feel so energized after a session!

Given my height, I was a natural choice for a ‘middle’. However, I am also known for my hard hitting. As a result, I am expanding my skill on the court and also being developed as a ‘right side’ hitter in 16U. I was taught early that ball control is king and if you can control the ball, you can control the game. My defensive game is strong as a result. My coaches recognize that I am a well-rounded player who can be relied upon to come thru for her teammates. I can hit, pass, block and serve but my strength is the ability to read the court, identify weak spots and make quick decisions about where to place the ball. As a server, I can place the ball anywhere on the court and have the ability to ‘mix-it up’, serving both short and deep, float and spin and have been known to go on long serving runs as a result – having been on serving runs of 12+ serves on more than one occasion. However, my favourite part of the game is offensive play and nothing is more satisfying than a hard hit and fast moving smash that you know the other team cannot touch! It is so gratifying!

Given current restrictions, I am continuing to strength training daily and working hard to improve both my strength and fitness in preparation for the return of play.