TEAM CANADA ("CANADA! CANADA!")

In 1999, the New Jersey Conference Committee extended an invitation to Malayalee female athletes across the U.S. and Canada for what was then just a trial Women’s Volleyball Tournament. Little did they know that this athletic experiment was soon to become a fixture in the PCNAK Sports program for the years to follow. Among the many teams that participated that year, Team Canada proved themselves to be champions on and off the court. The team roster reads:

Sarah Abraham
Melody John Cherian
Melissa John Cherian
Joyet Chukungal
Priya Eapen
Jennifer George
Reba Issac Michelle John
Sheila John
Linda Johnson
Julie Mathew
Joyce Philip

The most impressive quality about Team Canada is not that they won the 1999 Women’s Volleyball Tournament in New Jersey or that that they won championships in almost half of the tournaments held since that year. It is not that due to the lack of facilities and inclement weather, they are restricted to only two months of practice time and yet still manage to go home with back-to-back championships at the Rochester and Dallas Conferences. The most impressive quality about Team Canada is that they embody the principle of “teamwork.” More than just a hallmark sentiment, this team regards their sense of unity as their highest strength. As a collective, unified unit, they are able to seal the gaps that obstacles, such as injuries or a lack of available players, can create. At times, without a substitute player available, the team has played the entire tournament—start to finish—with the same five players. Instead of using their difficulties as an excuse, they rise to the challenge and aim to perform their best regardless.

Melissa John Cherian and Julie Mathew have shared the leadership position (as co-captains) of the team since its creation, and helped Team Canada exceed its performance level year after year. These co-captains manage various responsibilities including the coordination of the team’s training which consists of a variety of drills, playing against local teams, and intense cardio training. Besides the recreational aspect, the team focuses on strengthening each player’s present skills as well as teaching each other new ones. If one player has a noted strength, the team encourages that player to master the skill; then, with that player teaching the others, everyone benefits and becomes stronger. On the other hand, if a weakness is noted in a particular player, the other team members will train that player till she reaches a comfortable point. Another source of strength is their exceptional level of communication on the court. Among players, there is a consistent awareness of the movement of teammates. If facing a tricky situation, team members are not shy about literally yelling “help” to enlist support. As evidenced in their games, the training and communication skills pay off. Even if they lose a point, they will not concede it without a good fight.

Even with training and obvious athletic ability, every team needs that extra drive before and during games. Over the years, the support of friends and family has gone far in ensuring the success of the team. Even if few in number, Team Canada’s fans cheer loud and proud of their team’s success. More importantly, the sideline supporters keep the players in much prayer. Also, the team has their own unique chant! One night, following their first PCNAK victory, as the girls gathered around, a team member recalled a cheer from her high school team which we now know as the famous Team Canada chant that sounds before every game. What began as just a team-building exercise has become a mantra of sorts that exudes strength and self-confidence; not to mention, it is fun to shout!

"Deep in the heart of the Canadian jungle, You can hear our ladies rumble, 'CANADA, CANADA’!”

In addition to playing together, a most rewarding aspect of participating in these tournaments has been the opportunity to develop lasting friendships with members of other teams over the years. The players have met wonderful women whom they might have missed if not given the chance to play together.

Above all else, Team Canada hopes to bring glory to God through their talents, athletic performance, and team character.