By Chad Klassen

St. Ann’s athlete excelling after one year of volleyball

Jul 13, 2016 | 3:56 PM

KAMLOOPS — It has been quite the year for James Bates, who picked up the sport of volleyball for the first time last September. 

“I always knew I was a tall kid,” says Bates, who’s an alternate on Team BC’s U-16 Boys Volleyball squad. “But it just came with the training. Once I knew I was into the sport, and really dedicated all my time towards it, I think the rest fell into place.”

The 15-year-old from St. Ann’s Academy just finished his Grade 10 year, his first season playing volleyball, transitioning from being a baseball player. 

“I played lots of baseball. I was doing that very competitively and that was kind of where I was at until this year,” he says. “I had a change in heart and decided to follow volleyball, and it turns out it’s worked great for me.”

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Bates is on Team BC, albeit as an alternate. But the coaches of the U-16 team, including Kamloops’ own Drew Venables, says he’s earned his spot. 

“When you watch him play, he’s got some athleticism that’s pretty freaky for a guy who’s only played for one year,” says Venables. “As coaches at this age level, we’re looking for guys who can play at the next level, and he was definitely one of those guys we identified.”

Bates would one day like to play CIS volleyball, maybe for the TRU Wolfpack depending on the offers he receives. But for now, he’s focused on getting better every time he steps on the court. 

He’s enjoyed the week of training at the Tournament Capital Centre, where the boys and girls teams training this week before the National Team Challenge Cup in Kingston, Ontario. 

“It’s a huge experience to have, even though I’m an alternate for the team. Most of Team BC is the training, and it happens to be in my home city.”

Next year, Bates will face another challenge in his volleyball career. He will have to try out for the U-18 Boys team.