homepage

 

 

Sunahara says JaVA has 'solid plan'

 

KINGSTON, Jamaica, December 10, 202 - Professor Reed Sunahara, the coach from the United States who was sent by the NORCECA Volleyball Confederation to assist the Jamaica Volleyball Association (JaVA) with its programmes, concluded his visit with a bang when he assisted the coaching staff of the national women's team to secure victory in Group E of the 2014 Women's World Volleyball Championship qualifier at the Alfred Sangster Auditorium at the University of Teachnology from November 29-30.

 

Sunahara, who is no stranger to victory at the highest level, having led the US women's and Under-18 teams to PanAm and Continental Championship titles, respectively, arrived in Jamaica on November 1 and spent the month assessing JaVA's strategic plans.

 

He also helped to improve the technical and tactical approach to playing the game at all levels, with the majority of his attention devoted to JaVA's U-13 programme, as well as the senior male and female teams.

 

"My stay in Jamaica was very good," stated Sunahara. "I'm actually hoping to come back next year if NORCECA will support it. Jamaica has a solid plan for the future, but needs investment to realise some of the plans sooner rather than later."

 

He added: "The victory by the national senior female team over Barbados twice during the qualifier is an indication that Jamaica has capable players, but just needs the help of the public and private sectors to help them achieve their objectives quicker. I'm prepared to help out where I can."

 

Major Warrenton Dixon, president of JaVA, was full of praise for the American international coach.

 

"Reed is more than just an international coach, he has become my friend. He really cares about the development of the sport in Jamaica, and has made invaluable contribution to the knowledge and skill base of several of our coaches, children and adult players," said Dixon.

 

"I would love to have him come back to Jamaica to continue the initiatives he started. We are very thankful to NORCECA for this and other assistance we have been receiving."

 

Sunahara is considering returning for another month in May 2013.

From The Gleaner