My JCC Experience 2022 – Katie Tuohey

Each year we ask a number of our young athletes to report back on their experience, today we focus on Katie Tuohey, who was selected to represent the SW at this summer’s Junior Commonwealth Cup.

The Junior Commonwealth Cup for me was an incredibly special experience: one of my favourite ever tournaments to play (and I’ve played in quite a few). With teams from Ireland, N. Ireland, Scotland, Wales and different regions from England – this was my first taste of really diversified competition.

After representing South West earlier in the year at the Inter-Regionals – I was ecstatic to hear that I had another opportunity to represent our region. Not only this but I got to play with my best friend and favourite blocker -Heidi Bright. However, not knowing the talented Alexia and Ekin very well as our pair 1 -the weekend was an amazing way to get to know them and share the love of the sport together.

I’ll always remember this tournament, not only because of the array of shirt colours, but because of the heat -to highs of 34℃. These conditions made it extremely hard to play to the level I’m used to but the credit has to go to Carl and the team at Cardiff BV centre who made sure the courts were hosed and there was lots of water. Special mention to Floe, our team manager, and her snack bag filled with Lucozade etc to keep us going.

Our first match was against the all England team who we already knew very well and their capability. Disappointingly, after well fought battles from both pairs we lost the match 2-0. Yet, still we tried to turn this as a positive to use it as fire to get revenge later on in the tournament. Following this, with a drive to do well, we ended up winning the rest of the matches in our pool to put us in a good position.

This meant that we had drawn Northern Ireland in the quarter finals. Even though their supporters were very enthusiastic and sometimes overwhelming with their spirit: Dave and Floe helped to calm my nerves and led us to victory. This match, in particular, was my favourite as we were quite similar teams so different ups and downs on the scorecard challenged us to up our game and adapt our play. Adrenaline pumping, we managed to win the quarters two sets to nil.

We ate delicious food at the BV centre. The South West team drove back to a hotel together where, after a quick snack stop, we almost collapsed to bed as a result of the tiring day.

Refreshed and recharged, with an ache to get back on the sand, another hot day awaited us. In the locker rooms, suncream was passed around and likely never seen again but we were ready to go. Note – tan lines from this weekend are still seen today!

Before playing, we had to fulfil our duties as refs and scorers, another part of what made it special was the sense of community around one shared love. Beach Volleyball! Luckily getting to do this under the shade of Dave’s umbrellas.

For the semis, we had to play South East of England and after a painfully close three sets they emerged victorious – winning the third set 16-14. However, all was not lost as due to the team oriented style of the tournament – Alexia and Ekin won their match and the golden set to put us through to the finals. In Alexia’s words ‘I told you we could do it!’.

Through to the finals, we had another chance to take on all England. Even though Heidi and I started off strong – the strong serving of Maia and the loss of our usual rhythm meant we lost the match 2-0. Utterly devastated, our focus went to supporting our pair 1! One set apiece, we had lots of faith that they could pull through to get the win and face a golden set. Unfortunately, Alexia had landed badly in the second set and even though stoically carrying on – they could not quite pip the win.

Even though we were all extremely disappointed with the result, what I remember most is the team at the end. Running onto court, a few in tears, we hugged and talked it out. I have made friends for life!

With the boy’s team, we collected our silver medal’s and stood proudly on the podium- clapping the all England team.

Throughout the tournament, my greatest memory is the vibrant atmosphere. This overall was an unforgettable experience and thanks has to go to Denise Austin and the Cardiff BV team for its creation, and the South West coaching squad who supported and helped me along the way!

Katie Tuohey

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