Our mission at St. James Volleyball Academy is to build confidence, skill, and a lifelong love of the game in every athlete. We empower young girls through positive coaching, teamwork, and skill development helping them grow as players and as people and encouraging them to stay active in the sport well into adulthood.
Emma and Garrick have been athletes since childhood, both developing a lifelong passion for volleyball and competing on high-level teams throughout their youth.
Emma went on to play as a setter for the University of New Brunswick, where her love for the sport deepened. Over the years, she has coached at the middle school, high school, and club levels, sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm with athletes of all ages.
Through their experience as players and coaches, Emma and Garrick noticed a concerning trend many girls were dropping out of volleyball after not making a club or school team. These talented athletes often felt discouraged or believed their playing days were over.
Emma and Garrick knew firsthand the powerful benefits that staying involved in sports provides, especially for young girls. Team sports like volleyball build confidence, resilience, leadership, discipline, communication skills, and lifelong friendships. They also promote physical and mental well-being, helping young athletes develop a strong sense of belonging and self-worth.
However, in Manitoba, there simply aren’t enough teams to accommodate all of the players who want to compete. That’s where St. James Volleyball Academy was born, to give girls in the St. James area and beyond a welcoming place to continue playing, improving, and growing in the sport they love.
Our programs are designed for players of all levels, from those looking for extra training during their club season to those seeking a supportive space to stay active and connected to the game. Founded in 2015, St. James Volleyball Academy has quickly become a trusted name in the volleyball industry. We started as a small online shop and have since grown to offer a wide range of products that cater to the needs of volleyball players around the world.
At St. James Volleyball Academy, our coaching team brings passion, experience, and a deep love for the game to every session.
Emma and Garrick, the founders of the academy, have been part of the volleyball community for many years both as players and as coaches. They each have extensive coaching experience at the middle school, high school, and club levels, and both still proudly consider themselves athletes, playing on adult volleyball and basketball teams to this day.
Their coaching philosophy is rooted in building confidence, strong fundamentals, and a lifelong appreciation for sport. Emma and Garrick believe in creating a positive, encouraging environment where players can challenge themselves, make mistakes, and grow both on and off the court.
Supporting them are our Junior Coaches former players who trained under Emma and Garrick and have now returned to share their own knowledge and experience with younger athletes. These coaches bring fresh energy, understanding, and a unique ability to connect with players who are just beginning their volleyball journey.
When they’re not in the gym, you’ll often find Emma and Garrick enjoying the outdoors with their two children and their dog, living the same active, balanced lifestyle they encourage in their athletes.
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