Welcome to VNS Courtside Conversations where Bethany Robinson, our Team Nova Scotia Program Coordinator, will be meeting with members of our VNS Community! From Coaches, Players, Referees, and Parents, you’ll want to stay tuned for these exclusive stories.
Name: Courtney Baker
Hometown: Bridgewater, NS
Current Teams: Szent Benedek RA, Team Canada NextGen
Previous Teams: Team NS, Dalhousie Tigers, Bridgewater Chill
Courtney Baker is a highly accomplished volleyball player from Bridgewater, Nova Scotia. Baker recently returned from Hungary where she was playing professionally for Szent Benedek RA as a Setter. She was also recently named to be a part of Team Canada’s NextGen Team. Today I had the opportunity to speak with her virtually about her wonderful experience and how she got where she is today.
Firstly, we discussed Courtney’s experience in Hungary, and how this experience changed her appreciation for the game.
Given that your team was in Hungary and they spoke Hungarian, did you find the language barrier difficult and how did you overcome it?
“Yes, the language barrier was definitely a challenge at first. It made connecting with my teammates more difficult because I wasn’t able to have a full conversation with them without a translator. This affected the chemistry of the team as well as how we played together on the court. A quick conversation with the middle about timing would normally take about 2 seconds; however, with the language barrier it would now take as long as 10 seconds and the serve would already be coming our way. This caused some miscommunication. By the end of it though, we learned to adapt; they had learnt some English, and I had learnt a little bit of Hungarian which made it a lot easier.”
What was it like playing volleyball in a new country?
“It was difficult for sure, but the league I was playing in was a good fit for me. I thought it was a great starting league and a good level to grow from. I was worried I wouldn’t be able to keep up but once I got there, I didn’t feel out of place at all and was able to adapt quickly.”
Compared to Canadian volleyball, was there a big difference in the intensity of the game and the players?
“I found the biggest difference was the players’ experience, especially my teammates. In Canada, many players become pro after university, but in Hungary they typically start playing professionally right after high school, sometimes even while they’re still in high school. One of my teammates was only 15 and a few others were still in high school as well.”
What do you think are the biggest differences in volleyball between Hungary and Canada?
“Much like I mentioned earlier, the biggest difference is probably how young the athletes are at the level they’re playing. We all start pretty young, but by the time they reach my age I feel they would have a lot more experience than me. I would also say that this may be one of the biggest disadvantages for North American players.”
How did you find the experience and how do you think it helped you?
“It definitely made me stronger mentally. The experience of joining a new team, with different coaching styles and methods, plus embracing a different culture – all while living abroad during a pandemic! I definitely came back a stronger person mentally and physically.
I played in Vancouver, which itself is obviously different to Nova Scotia, but Hungary was so much more different, regarding the game and the culture. B.C feels a lot closer to home even though the distance is still far. And for the game, our coach at the start of the season led us through some high-intensity training. They had a unique style of conditioning which involved a lot of cardio exercises.”
How did you continue through the pandemic, and how did this affect you?
“My team was in quarantine for 28 days because we all got Covid-19. Not only was this a challenge for our health and wellness, but it also became difficult for us to bond since we were all in self-isolation. This had a big impact on team chemistry. Also, quarantining set us back quite a bit since we weren’t able to practice in the gym or with each other. Even after the 28 days we had to get back into it slowly while the other teams were already at a greater advantage than us.”
It sounds like Hungary was an amazing experience! I would now like to talk to you about your early volleyball experiences that led to volleyball becoming such an important part of your life.
Was volleyball the first sport that you tried out for?
“Actually no! It was the last sport I tried. Growing up I was always naturally athletic, and I played every sport from basketball, badminton, track & field, I was even on the swim team. When I tried volleyball, I found it to be the biggest challenge and most team-oriented sport, so that’s where I decided to stay.”
Given that volleyball was the last sport you tried, how did you get into it?
“My mom was the reason I became interested in volleyball; she was my first coach. She started coaching because she wanted somewhere for young girls to be able to play and she wanted me to join as well, so that’s where it all began.”
What club did you play for?
“Bridgewater Chill was the club that I played for growing up. I also played for Team NS through Volleyball Nova Scotia before attending Dalhousie and playing for them.”
What do you consider to be your biggest volleyball achievement?
“I would say being part of the National Team and competing in the World Grand Prix. I was able to see so many levels of volleyball I wasn’t even aware of and watching them play was amazing. While I didn’t play as often as usual, the experience of being on the roster and part of the team was really exciting and I am grateful for every moment of it.”
How did you balance school and volleyball?
“To be honest it took me a while to figure this one out myself. I would say the most important part is not leaving your assignments and schoolwork to the last minute. Staying on top of things was really helpful. In university my schedule was pretty full, with up to 6 practices a week, so getting my assignments done early was a must.”
What is it like to be so successful at your age?
“I am obviously very proud of what I’ve achieved in volleyball so far, but I know there are so many other things I want to accomplish at this point of my life. The awards I have won are fantastic; and are a real reflection of the work I have put in together with my family and coaches, but I also know I have a lot more work to do.”
I’m sure there are a lot of younger athletes that would love to be where you are today in your volleyball career. What were the steps that you took from playing at university level to the professional level?
“Once I knew this was my goal, I reached out to girls that were already playing pro and asked them for advice. You should also get someone to video your playing highlights and your major strengths. For me, I included clips of me setting and blocking since they are my top skills. I suggest doing this early so that it isn’t rushed. And then you will need an agent. The girls playing professionally already had some recommendations, and the right agent will take care of everything for you. They’ll find the clubs that are looking for your position and will connect you with them. So, in summary (and probably in order of time!): get a good video of your highlights and playing strengths; reach out to people already playing pro; and find and sign with an agent.”
Have you had any failures or setbacks in your career so far?
“I can’t complain too much because of how fortunate I have been so far. However, one setback I have experienced was when I played 16U for Bridgewater Chill. My friends and I from the same team tried out for the Provincial Team with VNS. All of my them made the 18U team and I made the 16U team. At that point in my career, I feel like playing with your friends is super important and that’s what made it so fun for me. I had a good time playing for VNS that summer but after that I told myself that next summer, I was going to make the 18U team and used that as motivation to work hard and to not give up.”
What is your motivation, what keeps you going?
“For me, my end goal is representing my country at the Olympics. When I’m tired or things are tough, I think of why I’m where I am and why I want to do it. I think of getting to the Olympics one day and that’s what gets me through and keeps me pushing.”
What’s it like being a role model for younger athletes?
“I love it. While I don’t put myself out there as much as others because that’s not my personality, I hope that through my actions and the way I present myself it’s enough. I feel that I’m a role model because there are not many people that get to do what I’m doing especially from Nova Scotia.”
Have you had anyone reach out to you? When did you notice you were becoming a role model?
“I felt like I was a role model when I got to University and started playing for the Dalhousie Tigers. My coach at the time, Rick Scott, told us, ‘You are now a role model for younger athletes on and off the court whether you like it or not’. It is a part of the Tiger culture and after that I said to myself ‘okay I’m a role model now’ and it continued from there.”
Do you have any advice for younger athletes?
“If you want something, put everything into it. Be confident in yourself and don’t give up. Easier said than done but walk the walk.”
Do you have advice to your younger self?
“I would tell myself to take things a little more seriously. I was always someone who was naturally athletic so I could get away with being a little lazy. I think if I had taken things a little more seriously when I was starting out maybe I would be a better athlete today but that’s impossible to know. Something I would say to my younger self though is to enjoy every moment because it goes by so fast.”
Who’s your role model?
“I do admire and look up to Kobe Bryant. I think he’s an inspiration for many people and especially athletes. His mentality to work hard every moment you have the opportunity is something I have tried to adapt. At the end of the day if I have put everything into something that’s all I can ask of myself. And there is my mom, of course! She has been there for me through everything.”
My final question for you is: What’s next?
“I am heading to Vancouver in a couple weeks to join the Team Canada NextGen Team. I am also currently looking for another professional contract to sign in either August or January. My end goal is to go to the Olympics and represent Canada.”
