By: Tyler Hodgson
The Anna Enero era has begun at RRC Polytech as the Students’ Association has hired her to be the first coach of the revamped women’s volleyball program.
“I’m excited to see the talent that already exists at Red River,” said Enero. “I’m excited for the games to start.”
Being that it’ll be the Rebels first season since 2022, it’s important for Enero to make a statement despite what the rest of the league may expect from an upstart team.
“I’d love to be looked at as underdogs,” said Enero.
To do this, Enero said that her immediate focus will be developing a strong defensive playstyle focused on team driven defence to handle the stress of long rallies.
“It doesn’t matter how strong you are offensively — if you can’t pass a serve up or if you’re getting aimed at and can’t get under it, it doesn’t matter how hard you can hit.”
Enero, a former middle blocker for both George Brown Polytechnic and Humber Polytechnic in Ontario, hopes the experience from her own volleyball career can give the rookie Rebels a veteran presence.
“I’ve competed in Kansas, I’ve competed in San Francisco, and I’ve travelled across Canada to compete as well,” said Enero.
In addition to being a former player, Enero is bringing a decade of coaching with her as well. Prior to accepting the position at RRC Polytech, she was the head coach at her alma mater, Tec-Voc High School, for five years.
Her time with the Hornets molded Enero into exactly what the Rebels need to get their program off the ground, taking over at Tec-Voc immediately following the COVID-19 pandemic. Early on she realized that the extended time off led to an erosion of fundamental skills in her young athletes.
“That was the switch,” said Enero. “It went from being varsity level to — oh my gosh, we have to actually reteach the whole program.”
Five years later and the Hornets are back competing at the AAAA level and hoping to replicate their 3-0 start from last year when their season begins.
“I officially built the culture I wanted,” said Enero. “Now I know how I want to operate as coach, and the exact dynamics I want.”
Enero is hoping to help the Rebels rise to the top of the MCAC and is looking for players prepared to play at the high level demanded by the conference.
“I shouldn’t have to teach effort,” said Enero.
While an official date is unknown, tryouts are expected to be held in the next couple of months.
Prospective and current students can register to tryout for both teams at ourrebels.ca/prospects/.
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