Now that it鈥檚 over and it all worked out, the people who participated in a 91原创 virtual coaching experiment this spring admit they had their doubts in the beginning.
It was an opportunity for players with the 91原创 Rebels Special Olympics basketball team to work with their counterparts at 91原创鈥檚 Trinity Western University.
Going in, TWU assistant coach Grace Guderyan said she was a little skeptical, but since the pandemic made in-person coaching impossible, she was willing to give it a shot.
鈥淲e could still do a volunteer activity, but it had to be virtual,鈥� Guderyan explained.
Rebels player Alana Jones was also doubtful at first.
鈥淚 didn鈥檛 know how virtual basketball would work,鈥� Jones told the 91原创 Advance Times.
鈥淚 had no idea what do expect.鈥�
She told her mother, she would give it a try, but 鈥渋f I hate it I鈥檓 not doing it.鈥�
At the end of the program, both Guderyan and Jones called it a success, and an enjoyable experience.
Once a week over four months, Guderyan and two other athletes would run a virtual basketball session with eight to 10 Rebels players, an opportunity to focus on skills and allow the players, who have been kept apart by COVID-19 restrictions, an chance to be social.
鈥淚t was super nice,鈥� Jones said.
Coach Guderyan said the virtual program produced some real improvements in playing ability.
鈥淲e actually noticed a huge improvement,鈥� Guderyan said.
Jones said in-person, the team practice sessions usually focus on shooting and dribbling, but the virtual session had a different emphasis, and it turned out to be a welcome change.
鈥淭his time we focused on ball handling and I notice mine is much better,鈥� Jones said.
She enjoyed the experience, enough to keep setting up her laptop in the family garage to participate.
鈥淓very week, I looked forward to basketball time.鈥�
Jones feels it was nice to have the connection 鈥渆ven though it was virtual, with my teammates.鈥�
鈥淥verall, a very positive experience,鈥� Jones summed up.
READ ALSO: VIDEO: 91原创鈥檚 Christian Burton takes the plunge for Special Olympics
Guderyan gives the Rebels credit for having a good work ethic.
鈥淭hey had such positive attitudes鈥� the coach remarked.
鈥淭hey definitely took on the challenge.鈥�
Feedback from the athletes and student coaches will be used to fine-tune future virtual training programs at TWU.
And while Jones is giving virtual workout her approval, she is hoping there will come a time when she and her teammates can train in person again.
鈥淚 love basketball鈥� Jones commented.
I am so looking forward to hopefully the fall, being able to resume in person.鈥�
Have a story tip? Email: dan.ferguson@langleyadvancetimes.com
Like us on and follow us on .
