Daniel Everton advanced through the first cut for Team B.C.’s under-18 volleyball team for the Canada Summer Games.
Everton, 15, is the youngest trying out to earn a spot on the 15-man roster, which includes three alternates.
“I just kind of went in to have fun and have some really good training with really good coaches and to play with the best players,” said Everton, who plays club volleyball in Kelowna and was a setter for the Penticton Secondary School Lakers senior team last fall. “That’s always fun to play with people who are more experienced and better than you.”
Sixty players attended the open tryout in Burnaby from Dec. 17 to 18. The selections have been reduced to about 24 and Everton said the final selection camp will be March 21 to 22 at the University of the Fraser Valley in Abbotsford.
Everton said the open selection was the highest level of volleyball he has played and working with the best players who are two years older than him, has helped him improve and show his strengths. Even if he doesn’t earn a spot Everton said he is confident he can represent B.C. in his age group. Last year he played for the U16 squad.
During the open selection, Everton made a point of putting his leadership skills on display for the coaching staff.
“I can’t just follow the better players because I have to be my own leader,” he said. “I can still be just as good.”