In 2022, I had the chance to be a part of the SpikeTouch (Formerly BTG)  Canadian All-Star team. Getting to be a part of the Spike Touch program was an amazing experience in many ways. For example, I got to meet so many new people and make so many different connections all over Canada as these people were my teammates, coaches and mentors. The program also took my skills to the next level. I experienced a very high caliber of coaching that expanded my knowledge of the volleyball game both physically and mentally. The coaches talked about not only the physical components of volleyball, but they also cared about each one of their athletes' mental health. The program also helped my volleyball career by opening up opportunities to help me get recognized by different schools in order to play at the next level. Overall, the SpikeTouch staff were extremely personable and ensured the athletes had fun and made it a once in a lifetime experience!

Spike Touch was an incredible experience. The opportunities that I got to be a part of through Spike Touch had a massive impact on making me the player I am today. The showcases that I attended helped me realize the opportunities that are out there for athletes to play post-secondary. Especially coming from such a small town, playing post-secondary athletics always felt out of reach. I was fortunate enough to be a part of the Spike Touch ( Formerly BTG)  Canadian Selects program for the first two years. Both years were intense learning experiences, playing with elite players from across the country forces you to really push yourself to a new level. In my second year with the program, I got to take on more of a leadership role, which really helped me to prepare for post-secondary. Knowing that all the girls on the team are extremely skilled players, the mental side of the game becomes so much more relevant. I was able to learn to have confidence in myself and my team, knowing I had support from both my coaches and teammates which showed on the court. The variety of high-level coaches helped me to learn to see the game from different perspectives which not only developed my physical game but also the mental aspect. One thing I noticed about the Spike Touch coaches is how much they care about their athletes. Even now these coaches still reach out to see how I am doing and are always willing to lend a hand. In my experience, the relationships formed with my teammates is what sets this program apart, being thrown together for 2 weeks forces you to bond but in the best way possible. You already have some similar interests with the girls, and the friends that I made through this program last much longer than the program itself.

My journey with SpikeTouch (a.k.a BTG) and Elite West has been nothing short of transformative. Under the guidance of Coach Fraser Macleod, I not only developed my volleyball skills but also gained invaluable life lessons. The Spike Touch program provided me with the platform to showcase my abilities to college and university coaches across the nation. The personalized attention, mentorship, and opportunities afforded to me through Spike Touch were instrumental in shaping me into the athlete I am today. Moreover, my years at Elite West laid the foundation for my success, instilling in me a rich culture of dedication, teamwork, and perseverance. I am immensely grateful for the experiences and support I received from both Spike Touch and Elite West, and I am excited to see how they continue to impact young athletes in the future.