Despite the difficulties and challenges of COVID -19, we have managed to still complete a very successful and fun volleyball season for 2020.

Although the senior A team was devastated when the Senior Volleyball Nationals in Palmerston North were cancelled, they still managed to play the majority of Monday night games, participate in the Senior South Island Tournament, and just recently played in the Senior Canterbury Championships. With all the commitment and hard work, especially for the Year 13s, who have committed to volleyball for the last 5 years, it was amazing to have a last hooray on the volleyball court. The senior A team placed 5th at South Island Tournament, and managed to secure a semi-final spot in the Canterbury Championships, finishing 4th overall!

As well as the Senior A team performing to a high standard, the Year 10 Junior A team has been extremely strong and has started to discover the love of volleyball! They have been able to take part in the Junior Canterbury Championships, and Junior South Island Tournament in Invercargill. The team has also been fortunate to have the opportunity to play in the Senior Canterbury Championships and South Island Tournament as the Senior B team, which developed their skills so much and introduced them to senior volleyball. 

The Year 9s this year have also really got something special about them. Coach Mr Norton has been training them and introducing them to this amazing sport. The potential the girls show and the high-quality volleyball they are beginning to play has really got me, and CGHS, excited for what the future holds for CGHS volleyball.

CGHS manages to perform well with their strong A teams, but also encourages anyone and everyone to play social volleyball teams. CGHS has many social teams who turn up to play, without training, just for the fun aspect with their friends! Encouraging everyone to play volleyball is something CGHS has managed to do very well!

Overall, across all year levels, volleyball this year has been a challenging yet exciting sport. It has definitely made the Year 13s appreciate and make the most of every single opportunity we have been given, and for the rest of the teams, has demonstrated how amazing and enjoyable the sport can be. I'm so excited to see what the future holds for CGHS volleyball as there are so many young players with so much talent, and to the Year 13s, I hope you all find a way to carry on your passion and love for volleyball!

Harriet Willis