This club season I have had the pleasure of witnessing several top teams that could be referred to as Elite, Nationals, etc. In speaking with club directors, coaches and parents I've realized that many of these teams are comprised of several special All-County and All State players. Seeing that several of these teams are traveling nationally, I thought our readers would enjoy getting a closer look at some of these teams in a multi-part feature SPOTLIGHTING on TOP TEAMS.
THE SOUTH FLORIDA FLYERS
The South Florida Flyers are an AAU/USAV 17U team comprised of several ALL-Dade players and are lead by Greg Shanower, one of the brightest young coaches in Dade County. The Flyers are one team with a common goal: To get better, to have fun and to win. The team has had great success this season either winning the gold or placing very high within the gold bracket.
In our spotlight on the Flyers we asked a few questions to Coach Shanower:
SFVR: How did the idea of formulating an AAU/USAV team of All-County players come to fruition?
SHANOWER: Well to be honest with you the All-County players had nothing to do with the formation of this team. When these girls were freshman a parent came to me and asked me if I would take a group of girls to the AAU Nationals held in Orlando. So we went looking for girls that would be interested. After that I took them again to only that tournament, they all played for different club during club season. They kept trying to get me to coach a club team, but I didn’t have the time because I was coaching boys and also I have 2 kids myself under the age of 5. Finally I retired from coaching boys and decided to coach a club team. I had told these girls from their freshman year that if I ever coach club then they could play for me. Therefore that is how we got the team together.
SFVR: Did the players from different schools already know each other?
SHANOWER: Some of them knew each other from playing middle school volleyball together, but the majority of them met their freshman year. And then we played in the AAU tournament their sophomore year.
SFVR: When the team first got together what was your message to the players?
SHANOWER: That everyday they come into practice they should push themselves to get better. You have to bring 100% of yourself to practice.
SFVR: On your first tournament, did you feel any pressure to win seeing that it was the first time that many of these girls had played together?
SHANOWER: You know the more I have been coaching to less I care about wins and losses. I know that sounds strange. But at this point I am more concerned about teaching the player as a whole. As long as a person can leave my program being a better person then that is all that matters to me. Now if I can teach them about volleyball along the way then that is a great bonus. Don’t get me wrong, I love to win as much as the next person, but if I can see positive improvement each day then I know I am doing my job.
SFVR: Thus far what has been your most memorable game?
SHANOWER: I would have to say betting the Navy South Dade Team. That Paulina is one of the greatest players I have seen for a long time. When she is on her game then it is hard to beat their team. When we played them in the Championship of the Ft. Lauderdale Inv. They won because the rest of her team stepped up and out played us. They have a really nice team.
SFVR: Have there been any surprises as of yet? (positive or negative)
SHANOWER: No real surprises, just a great enjoyment of coaching such a great group of girls. It is hard to fine a team where they all get a long. But this group really does that. When we travel we get homes rather than hotel rooms. My stomach hurts because of the laughing and good times we have together. I try to run my program like a family. I think to myself how I would want a coach to coach my own daughter. That really has changed a lot of the messages I have given to the girls. I want to get the parents involved. I have an open door policy, which means I let parents come in to the practices and see what is going on. That way when they have questions later about why I make my decisions they understand more. I find that the parents will respect and be more willing to help you when you show them you really care about them and their children.
WOW Coach, I hope my girls get to play for you some day.
A great coach can teach, motivate and put his/her team in a position to win games and matches but it takes great players to make great teams. So without further adieu
it is time for you to meet the players that make up the South Florida Flyers of 2009.
Alex Walewski - ALL County 5’7/OH #2 Ferguson
- Alex is one of the best all around players in Dade County. She will make a strong defensive specialist at the next level
Kristin Walewski ALL-State 5’4/S #6 Ferguson
- Kristin is the leader on and off the floor. She runs a very smooth and effective offense.
Alex Beverly ALL-County 5’11/OPP #11 Ferguson
- Alex has a great serve that gives our team a lot of points. She uses her height to her advantage to control the net.
Danielle Pohl - Hon. Mention 6’0/MH #1 Ferguson
- Danielle has turned into a great middle hitter. She is able to find holes in the opponents’ defense. She is coming back from shoulder surgery and getting stronger every tournament.
Mackenzie Webster - Hon. Mention 5’9/OH #9 Ferguson
- Mackenzie is a complete player with tons of talent and strength. Her greatest contribution to the team is her ability to never give up. She can hit from any place on the court.
Aly LeNoble Hon. Mention 5’8/OPP #4 Killian
- Aly is a utility player. She can play any position on the floor. Her positive attitude and her work ethic are contagious and rub off on anyone around her.
Jenni Machado Hon. Mention 5’6/DS #7 Killian
- Jenni has developed into a great defensive specialist. She will always give 100% effort for every ball and proudly displays any bruises obtained while getting to a ball.
Lauren Silva Hon. Mention 5’9/MH #8 Lourdes
- Lauren is slowly developing into one of the best middle hitter in Dade County. Her power and understanding of the game is amazing.
If you haven't had the pleasure of seeing this team Hustle, Dive and Fly you still have a chance to see the South Florida Flyers at THIS YEARS AAU CHAMPIONSHIPS IN ORLANDO FLORIDA.
SPECIAL THANKS TO COACH SHANOWER AND SEVERAL PARENTS OF THE FLYERS FOR THE EXCELENT PICTURES AND GREAT SUPPORT.
WE ARE LOOKING TO SPOTLIGHT SEVERAL TOP TEAMS IN THE SOUTH FLORIDA AREA. LET US KNOW ABOUT YOUR TEAM.
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