April 9, 2005 - During a break in the action at
the Ontario Volleyball Association 18 & Under Girls Tier 1
Ontario Championships held this past weekend at Brock University
in St. Catharines, the 18U Girls team's Tess Edwards was
awarded the highest honour for a female player in the OVA, the
Evelyn Holick Award. This award is presented annually at the 18U Ontario Championships to a female
Youth Division athlete who demonstrates the qualities of
determination, leadership, athletic ability, sportsmanship and fair
play. Tess joins a long list of distinguished past award
winners including current NCAA Co-Player of The Year Stacey
Gordon (Ohio State University, Ganaraska Wolves) and current NCAA
Freshman of The Year Sarah Pavan (University of Nebraska, Waterloo
Tigers). Tess accepted the award from OVA Technical Director
Dustin Reid and Team Ontario Coach Kristine Drakich.
Tess' longtime coach Cathy O'Doherty
commented, "Tess has that rare ability to lead by example and
to motivate the girls around her to play their best, but she's found
a way to combine that intense competitiveness and will to win with
patience and kindness. So often over the years, we've been
approached by parents, referees and coaches who've complimented Tess
on her sportsmanship and attitude, on and off the court. She's
a wonderful ambassador for the Capitals and a great role model for our
younger athletes. "
History: Throughout her
years on the volleyball scene, Evelyn Holick accomplished many
firsts in her life. Evelyn was the first female "National"
level official in Ontario. She was the Head Coach for Ontario's first
Women's Provincial Team in the first Canada Games. Her
accomplishments and commitment to volleyball established Evelyn as the
first role model for female players, coaches and officials in the
Province.
Evelyn Holick Award
Winners:
2005 - Tess Edwards
2004 - Sarah Pavan
2003 - Kim Todd
2002 - Danielle Walker
2001 - Laura Horner
2000 - Stacey Gordon
1999 - Stacey Gordon
1998 - Sherene Lemonias
1997 - Allison Peckham
1996 - Kera Carter
1995 - Marnie Simpson
1994 - Barbara Ifejika
At the same ceremony Capitals middle
blocker Jessica Wolfenden was awarded the 2005 OVA Award of
Excellence in recognition of her dedication to the sport of
volleyball, perseverance and commitment, sportsmanship and fair play,
team spirit, leadership and performance. According to Coach
O'Doherty, "Jessica has had an exceptional year in her last season
at the club level. She is our most versatile player and her
dedication inspires her teammates to play and practice to the best of
their abilities. Her wonderful sense of humour, combined with
her intensity and outstanding athletic talent make her the coaches'
choice for the CAPS 18U Award of Excellence."
