We believe there’s something more important than just winning or losing a tournament. We believe that the team, school, and fans who support their athletes with dignity and class are the true champions. That’s why we’ve proudly sponsored the WIAA/Rural Mutual Insurance Sportsmanship Award for 54 years.
We would like to congratulate Waukesha West on being this year’s recipient of the Boys Volleyball Sportsmanship award. It is the first time Waukesha West has been chosen as a recipient of the Sportsmanship Award.
When talking with Head Coach, Tamari Clementi we asked her what this award meant to her as a coach, the team and community along with how they teach their athletes about sportsmanship.
“While my coaching staff and I encourage our players to show respect to officials, peers, coaches and fans, all the credit must go to the student-athletes, parents and families.”
Waukesha West Boys’ Volleyball, the coaching staff and I are truly grateful to receive the WIAA/ Rural Mutual Sportsmanship Award. There are many teams within the boys volleyball community that have displayed wonderful sportsmanship throughout the Fall Season. We are truly thankful.
While my coaching staff and I encourage our players to show respect to officials, peers, coaches and fans, all the credit must go to the student-athletes, parents and families. There are great young men in the volleyball program, and they have been a pleasure to coach. Captains Alec Boland and Kieran Keller, put on their goal sheets this season to try to earn the Classic 8 Sportsmanship Award. To be recognized as the recipients of the WIAA/ Rural Mutual Sportsmanship Award is quite an honor.
Athletic Director, Kyle LeMieux and the volleyball community have been great supporters and help instill a positive environment. Boys volleyball has been growing at Waukesha West over the last five years. The 2019 season was historic as it was our first time competing at State. It was an amazing experience and we hope one day to bring home the trophy.
Creating a positive, supportive environment has been a goal of mine since I began coaching. I hope to show that I care and respect my athletes and ask in turn that they do their best to reciprocate that respect. During a tough competition it can be difficult to maintain our composure and I will admit that we were not perfect. Perfection, however, was not the goal as none of us can attain it. I believe working hard to appreciate another’s vantage point and efforts on the court, is an important step in an athlete’s journey. We tried to accept the official’s decisions during the match and when clarity was needed, asked for it in a respectful way. In both these areas, I saw much growth within the athletes and for that I am very proud.
One of our missions within the boys volleyball program is to give back to our community. Over the years, we have served at The Hope Center, Soles For Jesus and The Green Power Garden. Taking time to serve the needs of others has helped us appreciate how truly blessed we are. It has also connected all three teams within our program in a way that normal court/practice time would not. We also have a special Varsity award. We call it our H.E.A.D. Award, which stands for one who displays great Humility, Effort, Attitude and Dedication. It is our top honor in the boys volleyball program.
Thank you once again for recognizing Waukesha West Boys Volleyball. It truly is an honor.
Coach Clementi has been coaching since 1998. Her coaching career has crossed through the middle and high school levels along with club teams. She commented that she has been blessed to coach great young men and women and grateful to work with student-athletes and their families. Coach Clementi went on to say that her student-athletes have touched her life in many ways and she still maintains good relationship with these athletes. Coaches can make a great impact on a child’s life, for good or bad. She hopes to have a positive role in an athlete’s life. She was blessed to have some great role models when she competed and hopes to pay it forward.
Congratulation again on a great season and winning the WIAA/Rural Mutual Sportsmanship award. This is a great achievement for the Waukesha West community.
