They have played together only once in a competitive setting.
Now sisters Anna and Megan Atcheynum will have a chance to play together on an international stage next week in Toronto as they will compete for the Saskatchewan Under 19 girls volleyball team at the North American Indigenous Games.
“The last time we played together was in my senior year of high school and she was in Grade 10,” said Megan, who is studying agriculture at the University of Saskatchewan. “To be playing with her once again at an event like this is pretty awesome.
“Our whole family is going to be down there to share in the experience with us,” added Anna, who is heading into her Grade 12 year at North Battleford Comprehensive High School this fall. “Having my sister alongside me is going to be a big help, as I won’t have to deal with the challenges of being in a different environment with no familiar faces around me.”
The process to make the provincial volleyball team was a lengthy one, as three identification groups took place around Saskatchewan during the fall of 2016 before the final roster was set in February.
“I was only able to make it to the final camp due to my schedule, so I’m sure I stood out as a result,” Anna joked. “I really focused on my hitting during that weekend, and I guess things went pretty well there.”
“I was one of the few left-handed hitters that tried out, which I think helped me out a bit,” Megan added. “Plus, I’m pretty loud out on the court, so that probably made me fairly noticeable.”
According to head coach Cory Gratton, the Atcheynum sisters have several assets that make them a good fit with the rest of the roster.
“They are both extremely athletic and hard-working players,” Gratton said. “They are both really positive out on the court as well, which is a huge element to what we want to have on our team.
“We have a fast and athletic group here and we’re looking to run a quick offence with a high intensity. A number of girls have experience from competing at the last games in Regina back in 2013, so having that experience should help us out a lot.”
With a number of strong teams from Canada and United States in the competition, the Atcheynum’s know they will have to hit their marks in order to be in the mix for a medal.
“Our major focus is going to be on defence,” Megan said. “We need to be strong on that side of the court in order to have a chance, especially with the field that’s going to be there.”
“I think the chemistry our team has will help us out a lot,” Anna added. “None of us are shy when we are playing, as we’re always talking and keeping everyone fired up.”
The team is practicing in Saskatoon Thursday and Friday before they fly out to Toronto to take part in Sunday’s opening ceremonies.
Their first round-robin contests will take place Tuesday.
