🏐 IN CONVERSATION WITH CHENOA EVANS: BEST OPPOSITE 🇱🇨
Saint Lucia's Chenoa Evans left Tortola with a bronze medal and the Best Opposite award. Only months after surgery, she pushed through and found her confidence again. We sat down with her to talk about the award, her journey and what comes next.
🏆 Congratulations on being named Best Opposite. What does this award mean to you personally, and who did you think of first when your name was called?
"The award was a reminder of my ability to me. Leading up to the tournament I struggled with my confidence, as I had surgery in April and was still suffering the mental effects of it. I wasn't sure I could be the Chenoa everybody knows me to be. So it was kind of like a reminder to myself that I am, in fact, capable. When my name was first called, I thought of my dad because he was the one I cried to most nights after training when I felt I didn't have it in me."
🌱 Take us back to the beginning. How did volleyball find you in Saint Lucia, and when did you know the opposite position was where you belonged?
"Volleyball found me at 14 on the court at the St. Joseph's Convent Secondary School, through an adamant Stuart Albert, who believed with his whole heart that I was a volleyballer. Going as far as pulling me out of class to teach me how to run a middle! Eventually I started playing for the school and found myself on the U16 national team. I was a middle at first but as I grew in the sport I fell in love with the art of scoring and blocking. I tried my hand at power but it just didn't feel right. I convinced Coach Charlery to let me try right side in 2022 and he was pleased so I stayed there. Ever since then it's just felt like home to me."
💪 Opposites are expected to score when the team needs it most. What has your training and mental preparation looked like to handle that pressure, and what part of your game has grown the most since you started?
"Each season is different because my life circumstances are different each time around. But one thing remains constant - when I feel fit, I play better. And mentally, when I commit to showing up and do so no matter what, it pays off in keeping me grounded. Opposite is a high pressure position but I operate better in high pressure environments. If it's not stimulating me mentally, I get bored. So it's a constant game of challenging myself based on my last gym session or practice session. I would say I've experienced the most growth in my decision making and my focus. I'm no longer easily distracted and I have learned to read the game a lot better, which guides my decisions."
🥉 Which match or rally from this championship will you remember most, and what did it teach you about yourself as a player?
"It was our bronze medal match. I woke up that morning feeling like I had a point to prove. It was one of my best games all tournament, and one where I worked a little harder than usual. But it taught me that I'm more resilient than I think I am; I have more grit than I thought I did. And I have what it takes to keep growing."
✨ What's next for Chenoa Evans, whether that's regional, NORCECA or beyond? And what would you say to young girls in Saint Lucia and across the Eastern Caribbean who dream of wearing their national colours?
"Right now, the world is literally my oyster. I'm growing, I'm learning a lot about life and I'm starting to understand who Chenoa really is. I'm passionate about volleyball and I do intend to pick up the mantle and continue looking for that top spot for St. Lucia and actively support initiatives for the growth of the sport, locally and regionally. To young girls I would say; if you know that this is what you want to do, commit to it and never stop going. You are as powerful as your mind allows you to be, that goes for volleyball and life. If you want it, you can have it. Just believe in yourself."
Congratulations, Chenoa! 👏🏽 The region is proud of you, and the best is yet to come.
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