Standing tall on volleyball

His passion for the game led him to forego hockey and golf, two of the many other sports Jean-Paul Carriere plays, so that he’d have more time to concentrate on volleyball.

“I quit those this year so I could compete on the provincial team,” he said.

The 17-year-old, 6-feet-5 student at College Jeanne-Sauve in St. Vital, who only took up the sport four years ago, loves every aspect of the game.

“It’s everything that goes into it, the hitting and blocking, the feeling you get when the crowd cheers for the team or for something you’ve done,” he said.

Although his primary focus is on attending university next fall, to study kinesiology or athletic therapy, the thought of one day being able to possibly compete on an international level would be a dream come true.

“Every little kid has a dream to make it to the Olympics. I did, and if I ever got the chance, I’d do my best to get there,” he said.

Carriere credits his coach, Cam Johnson, with his improved development during the past two years.

“He’s a great coach. I know he played volleyball for the University of Winnipeg but I don’t think he accomplished as much as a player as he has as a coach” he said.

“He’s always pushing you to be better.”

Johnson has coached Carriere for the last two years and has seen the progress his tallest player has made.

“He came into the program excited to be there and he’s shown tremendous improvement, he said.

“He plays with a lot of confidence now and because of it he’s become one of the best in the province, for his age, at his position. He’s a tough guy to stop.”

Teammate Brett Rhoda, 17, agreed.

“He’s probably the biggest middle presence in the province. He gives us the biggest blocks and hits,” he said.

The first year Carriere was on the team they finished fifth overall. This past season they ranked second, a marked improvement for the 15-member team.

His dedication for the game is obvious. In his backpack is a copy of Volleyball Canada, a magazine he subscribes to.