PROfiles Eric Simon
When people look back at Eric Simon’s impact on volleyball during the 2009-2010 season there will be some obvious accomplishments that pop out. Eric was a huge part of The University of Western Ontario Mustang’s success. He was recognized for his individual success when he was named a CIS Academic All-Canadian, this season’s OUA Player of the Year and an OUA First Team All-Star. What many people won’t remember is how fast he transitioned to the beach. Eric made the Men’s Provincial team and was a runner up for representing Ontario at the 2009 Canada Summer Games. He skipped playing in the youth division to compete in the Elite Men’s Division, where he and partner Shaun Furneaux finished 5th at the Ontario Championships.
OVA: Why did you start playing Beach?
Eric: I started playing beach to get contacts in for indoor.
OVA: What do you like most about Beach Volleyball?
Eric: There are numerous things I like about beach volleyball, but I guess my favourite part would have to be the fact that you can beat a team [utilizing the] mental aspect of the game.
OVA: What are the advantages to indoor athletes who play beach volleyball?
Eric: Generally in beach volleyball the opposing team will discover your biggest weakness and try to exploit it. So as a volleyball player getting numerous reps in your weakest skills is the best way to improve them. That’s what happens on the beach.
OVA: Where do you see Beach in Canada going in the next 5 years?
Eric: There is a plethora of young talent on Canadian beaches, as can been seen with younger and younger teams competing in the Elite open divisions of Nationals. I think the program can only continue to go up.
OVA: What message would you give to any young beach athlete wanting to play for the Provincial Team?
Eric: Work hard, persevere, trust yourself and your love of the sport. Ultimately that is what it’s about. Don’t be so concerned with the end goal, enjoy the process, enjoy the friends you make and the lessons you learn on and off the court. Your summer of training will only last for 4 months, but your friendships last forever.
Eric was a coach at the Beach Volleyball Academy in Port Stanley last season. The club has some great coaches including Geoff White, Matt Zbyszewski, Shaun Furneaux and David Cousins.
OVA: What was it like coaching at BVA
Eric: It was a great experience. I’ve always enjoyed teaching the different skills of volleyball, and at the BVA I had a little more freedom to begin teaching some strategies and tactics of beach volleyball. Plus the kids we have are exceptional volleyball players so it’s always great to work with a talented group of athletes.
OVA: What was the hardest part transitioning from a player to a coach?
Eric: The hardest transition would be keeping your composure when things are going wrong. I try to think back to the best coaches I’ve had and most of them would always have a calm demeanour, even when things were going awful. I try to replicate that.
OVA: Best memory from playing?
Eric: There isn’t one that stands out in particular. I just enjoy playing at a competitive level, it is always exhilarating.
We would like to thank Eric for his help with this article. Good luck this season on the beach and with your future goals of playing indoor volleyball professionally in Europe.
If you would like to recommend someone for PROfiles please contact Josh Nichol | 416-426-7233 | jnichol@ontariovolleyball.org
