В Фудхиллс открыт центр Rampage Volleyball, созданный Мичелл Портеус для развития юных спортсменов

For Michelle Porteous, volleyball has always been about more than just the game. It’s about teamwork, confidence, mentorship, and creating opportunities for young athletes to thrive. After moving from Ontario to the Foothills nearly 24 years ago, Porteous became involved in her new community. As her children grew up and became involved in local schools, she noticed a need for more athletic opportunities and resources for students. Porteous was inspired to create Rampage Volleyball Centre, a program built on combining her passion for coaching and her desire to give back. Related Stories: - From teacher to trustee: Foothills School Division board chair reflects on education journey - Bente Yanota finds purpose in helping Okotoks families through life’s bumps - Through storytelling and preserving history, Kathy Coutts helps shape Okotoks’ vibrant community identity The organization offers volleyball programs for youth across the Foothills, creating opportunities for beginners to learn the game while helping more experienced athletes develop the skills needed to compete at club levels. “We give them a little bit more advanced training so they can have a little bit more exposure,” she said. “We also develop a lot of young coaches.” For Porteous, the goal has always been to make volleyball accessible while helping young athletes grow both on and off the court. “A lot of our coaches play, start with us, go through our programming, and then will come back and coach for us, which is excellent,” she said. “We really, really love that they come back, and that they love what we stand for.” A lifelong commitment to giving back Community service has always been a part of Porteous' life. She credits her mother for instilling the importance of helping others from an early age. “She was always involved in the community, either in church groups or she was going out in the community, and finding people to help out,” Porteous said. "That started off the part of giving back, always doing more, and connecting with the community.” After moving to the Foothills, Porteous continued the tradition. “I decided to entrench myself in the community, volunteering everywhere I could, and really trying to focus on people,” she said. Learning teamwork from the get-go For Porteous, her passion for coaching stems from her own experience as a team member. Growing up as a triplet, Porteous said teamwork was a part of her life from the very beginning. “Another reason why being a team is important,” she said. “I was basically born into one, very cohesive; we did everything together, we shared the same interests, and my parents got us involved in sport very early.” Answering the call to coach Even after her own children left home for university, Porteous continued looking for opportunities to mentor young athletes. Last year, she was approached by a Highwood High School parent seeking a coach for the senior boy's volleyball team. Porteous noted that coaching high school volleyball was a rewarding experience; that came at the right time in her life. “One of the greatest experiences was getting into high school volleyball and coaching boys, actually was great,” she said. “I was at a time in my life where both my boys went away to university, and I had an empty nest, plus a group of great boys, they really filled that gap that I was experiencing.” Fundraising efforts Porteous' commitment to youth sports extends well beyond coaching. Over the years, she has helped raise funds and donate equipment to schools throughout the Foothills, ensuring students have access to athletic programming. She noted, Heritage Heights School has received more than $40,000 in donations through Rampage Volleyball Centre. The funding was used to replace aging sports equipment, expand programming, and introduce new activities, such as archery. The organization has also supported Joe Clark School, Senator Riley School, and most recently Notre Dame Collegiate with $500 worth of outdoor equipment. Staying true to herself After years of coaching, volunteering and mentoring young athletes, Porteous said success comes from staying authentic. “Make sure you love what you do; it’s never a job when you love what you do, and be true to yourself,” she said. Porteous encourages anyone looking to make a difference in their community to pursue something they genuinely enjoy and to never lose sight of who they are. “I’m always the same wherever you meet me, at my full-time job or on the court, what you see is what you get,” she said. “Be authentic, be genuine, put yourself out there, and try new things.” Nominate a local woman for Her Voice, highlighting leadership, innovation, and heart.