The following content highlights two very impactful International volleyball experiences that I engaged in that reflect my passion for coaching and life-long learning. Although, one experience was very comprehensive and took place during a six month sabbatical and the second experience was much shorter, they both allowed me to share my expertise and develop a stronger understanding of the many cultural nuances of coaching both indoor and beach Volleyball. It also allowed me to build many deep and meaningful relationships with coaches and athletes in the Cayman Islands and Nicaragua.
Cayman Islands Volleyball Federation
For the first six months of 2019, I was a guest of the Cayman Islands Volleyball Federation (CIVF), serving as a Visiting Coach. My primary focus while on Grand Cayman was to re-establish and nurture the growth of a previously dormant youth Volleyball Development system. I was also tasked with working with the Senior National Beach Program. The weeks seemed to fly bye quickly, as along with a group of keen and talented volunteer coaches and enthusiastic athletes we successfully initiated and ran numerous programs. My time in the Cayman Islands really allowed me to showcase and refine my skill sets in both teaching and coaching; from grassroots to high performance, both indoor and on the sand. It was an invaluable professional development experience, and I am very proud of the success of the programs and initiatives that were completed.
Following is a synopsis of my activity:
Youth Development
- Established and completed a 10 week/20 session youth skill development program.
- Provided coaching support and led practices for school teams competing in a six week inter-school league.
- Visited Cayman Brac and held a weekend youth volleyball clinic.
- Established a Youth National Team Development Program. Thirty six athletes ages 14-18 were selected for the 3 month program, April-June.
- Led the beach component of the Youth National Team Development Program.
- Organized and delivered the inaugural Cayman Islands Secondary Schools Doubles Beach Volleyball Championships.
- Established two new grassroots programs at The Cayman Islands International School. Grades 3-5 featuring Circulation Volleyball and Smashball components and a Grades 6-8 Train and Play program, with both Tripleball and modified scoring competitions.
Coaching Development
- Mentoring of CIVF coaches took place continually as the lead coach for the youth skill development program, and mentoring with the Youth National Teams and Senior National Beach Team head coaches
- Led two “teaching volleyball” professional development clinics for both public and private School teachers.
Senior National Beach Program
- I led over 50 training sessions for the Women’s and Men’s Senior National Beach Program.
- Teams participated in several NORCECA Tour stops as well as preparation for the NatWest Island Games, held in Gibraltar.
- Provided expertise in the development of a CIVF National Teams Program plan for the next quadrennial.
*BONUS*
One additional experience of note was the opportunity to present a 5 week skill development program at the Fairbanks Women’s Prison as part of a health and fitness initiative. I thoroughly enjoyed this unique opportunity and I felt that it was both effective and appreciated. No pictures allowed!
The question that I was asked most often during the six months in the Cayman Islands, both on Island and from friends and family back in Canada was “How do you like Cayman?” My answer was very consistent, “I have met great people! I have always left the gym or sand courts feeling appreciated by the athletes, coaches and even parents. It was a wonderful personal and professional experience. The sport of Volleyball has an opportunity to continue to shine bright on the Island, I will be forever grateful to be part of that. I hope to return to the Cayman Islands when the next opportunity presents itself!
San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
In November, 2023 I travelled to San Juan del Sur, a beautiful and vibrant City on the Pacific coast of Nicaragua to complete an International Sport Development project with three local youth sport organizations. In SJDS, I spent time with the coaches and athletes of Pancho Beach Volleyball Pro, Winston’s Academy Volley Playa, and the Escuelas de Voleibol de San Juan del Sur. The program consisted of a community coaching clinic, as well as leading multiple training sessions for athletes ages 7-21 in both the beach and indoor volleyball disciplines.
“It really was a fantastic week of Volleyball and camaraderie, learning about the Nicaraguan style of coaching and training while sharing a Canadian perspective”.
“One of the many highlights of my time in San Juan del Sur was working with athletes Ella Resau and Yulimar Alvardo, who the following weekend captured the Central American U17 Beach Volleyball Championships!”
Special thanks and admiration to Coaches, Francisco Castro, Winston Calderon, and Rafael Medrano, from their respective Academies for their passion to support youth development in their Community. They are all true champions of youth sport development in SJDS! In addition, the positive impact of the program could not have occurred without the hard work and dedication of translator, coach and athlete, Alexander Santana. Finally, a huge debt of gratitude also goes to Omar Pena and Aileen Holder for their guidance and ongoing support to make this project a reality. With the support of my Volleyball Club in Canada, I was able to bring a variety of gently used and surplus equipment as well as Volleyball swag for the coaches and athletes of SJDS.
We are already planning how we can nurture and develop ongoing partnerships moving forward!
“Queremos agradecer el gran esfuerzo y dedicación al Coach y Profesor Rick Bevis entrenador Internacional de la FIVB y del Club de Voleibol Mariners por haber Sido parte de la familia del voleibol playa en San Juan del sur el compartio está clinica a los atletas,entrenadores locales con sus grandes enseñanzas obtenidas un Coach con mucha experiencia en diferentes países que ha visitado como Belice,Islas Cayman etc de manera gratuita solo con su gran corazón,amabilidad,pasión,amor a este bello deporte gracias de parte de nuestro grupo estamos muy contentos por todo lo que compartió esta semana con todos nosotros también gracias Omar Francisco Peña por todo el apoyo siempre estar dando tu granito de arena apoyando con buenos valores y dedicación fue una semana increíble esperamos que nuevamente nos visiten el próximo año y seguir compartiendo con ustedes nuevas experiencias todo esto en pro del desarrollo del voleibol.”
“We want to thank the great effort and dedication to Coach and Professor Rick Bevis International Coach of the FIVB and Mariners Volleyball Club for having been part of the beach volleyball family in San Juan del Sur the sharing is clinic to athletes, local coaches with their great teachings obtained a Coach with a lot of experience in different countries he has visited such as Belize, Cayman Islands etc for free only with his big heart, kindness, passion, love to this beautiful sport thanks on part of our group we are very happy for all you shared this week with all of us also thanks Omar Francisco Peña for all the support always being giving your grain of sand supporting with good values and dedication was an incredible week we hope you visit us again next year and keep sharing with you new experiences all this for the development of volleyball.”
Coach Francisco Castro – Pancho Beach Volleyball Pro Academy
