A new season of volleyball is upon us, and the Forest City Volleyball Club couldn’t be more excited about taking the court for its 21st season in London. The offseason saw plenty of change and growth for the organization, starting at the top. Dean Lowrie has taken the reins as technical director, and FCVC president Vaughn Peckham says he’s thrilled with the addition.
“Dean brings such a wealth of experience,” Peckham said. “He’s coached at the highest levels within the sport and is a proven leader. He’s an ideal fit for this role, and we’re excited he’s taken on the position.”
Lowrie, who has 22 years of coaching experience under his belt, is a former technical director with the Alberta Volleyball Association, and former assistant coach with Canada’s women’s national team. Of course, he’s also the former long-time coach of Western University’s women’s volleyball team, where he became one of the Mustangs’ winningest volleyball coaches in school history. Under Lowrie, the women went 282-80 and won three provincial titles.
FCVC also underwent some restructuring within its executive and has added a communications role to assist in social marketing, community relations and marketing. It’s all part of the goal to continue to grow the organization, and that’s exactly what’s happening as the club is excited to add three more teams in 2013-14, including a new U12 team on the girls side and another U14 boys team.
The club is also excited to add eight new coaches for the new season, including Paul Duerden, Tom Kerkhoff, Kirby Duffy, Bonnie Cooper, Adam Prieur, Mallory Limage, Roberta Reardon, Chuck Chelladurai. All have extensive volleyball experience, and Peckham is thrilled to welcome them to the fold.
“The strength of our program begins at the younger age groups, and having high-quality coaches at those levels is going to lead to overall organizational strength for years to come,” Peckham said. “I’m impressed with the talented lineup of coaches we have in place.”
FCVC will host a pair of tournaments this year. Saunders high school will feature a U15 girls club tournament on Nov. 23, while Fanshawe will be the venue for another club tournament on Nov. 30.
The club is hoping to build on another successful season in 2012-13, which included a U17 national championship and a U18 provincial championship.
“It should be a great season – both on and off the court,” Peckham said. “I’m looking forward to another year of high-quality volleyball in the forest city.”
www.forestcityvolleyball.com
