Volleyball athlete Robin Price is heading to her fourth B.C. Games in a row this week.
The 16-year-old, along with fellow volleyball players Nadia Maskiewich, Jenna Rauch and Ashlyn Mehr, will be competing in the B.C. Summer Games.
Price is familiar with the games, having participated in three previous B.C. Games, including the Surrey games in 2012, the Langley games in 2010 and most recently, the Winter Games in Vernon in 2012.
“They were really fun,” she said of the previous competitions. “I met lots of new people in the sport.”
This year, she will be playing beach volleyball with her partner Maskiewich, which is quite different compared to indoor volleyball.
“You have to be an all-around player, you can’t just be a specific hitter or back row player, you have to be good at everything,” said the Smithers Secondary student.
In preparation for the Games, the girls have been practicing at a beach in Terrace.
“Beach volleyball is fun because it’s outside and it’s something we don’t do often in Smithers,” said Price.
Head coach Kelli Maskiewich said the outdoor conditions could pose a challenge to the young players.
“Playing in sand is extremely difficult. Most of the teams we’ll be playing against, beach volleyball is the sport they focus on,” she said.
However, Price isn’t worried about the competition.
“I think it will be fun, I’m going with Jenna, Ashlyn and Nadia and we’re all pretty good friends,” she said. “Nadia is really good at serving, I’m really lucky to have her as a partner.”
Price is one of many athletes who will be attending the B.C. Summer Games from July 17 to 20 in Nanaimo.
Luke Berarducci will be swimming, John Fallows for softball, Cameron Golder for volleyball and Reece Wells for basketball.