Ryerson setter contributed to champion season in own way
Haroula Giovanopoulos walked off the campus of Ryerson University in the spring with a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in nutrition and food and a treasure chest filled with memories as a student-athlete.
No. 1 in that box was a U Sport national women’s volleyball championship, the first Canadian title by a Rams team in the Toronto school’s almost 70-year history.
Not far below that incredible team achievement, though, was a personal heartwarming moment, something most athletes wouldn’t consider a big deal.
On Feb. 23, the Ryerson women’s volleyball team celebrated Seniors Day, a chance for the school, teammates and coaches to say thank you to graduating players. Giovanopoulos was among the honoured players. It was the final weekend of the Ontario University Athletics regular season, and undefeated Ryerson turned back the 2-17 Royal Military College Paladins three sets to none.
What made that day even more satisfying for Giovanopoulos was it marked the first time in her five-year career she was designated a starter for the Rams and the first time she played the entire match.
Her stats line that day included 46 assists as setter, three service aces, two block assists, four digs and four points.
Those numbers formed the majority of her career statistics over five seasons as a backup setter: 11 sets played, 60 assists, three aces, five digs, two block assists and four points.
An athlete who entered Ryerson with an impressive multisport résumé, Giovanopoulos practised with the Rams, but spent the vast majority of her career on the bench, and never participated in a playoff game. She did, however, serve as team captain during two games of the 2017 U Sports championships at Ryerson.
Giovanopoulos, 23, played with the National Capitals Volleyball Club in 2008-09 and was team MVP. During four years with Ottawa Fusion (2009-13), she was MVP in 2010. At Sir Robert Borden High School, she earned volleyball MVP honours all four years, was basketball MVP in 2010, played soccer every year and was junior and senior athlete of the year in 2011 and 2013, respectively.
Despite her achievements, she wasn’t recruited by university coaches. When the Ryerson volleyball team staged open tryouts in 2013, she asked head coach Dustin Reid if she could attend. She made the grade as a walk-on and every year after that.
Despite her skills, the 5-7 Giovanopoulos couldn’t make the next step. Every year, one or two setters were slightly better. She practised hard, but rarely received playing time.
Giovanopoulos handled the situation with the class reflective of her standing as a four-year U Sports Academic All-Canadian, which requires a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher out of 4.0.
While some athletes might have quit the team or transferred to another university, she believed there was more to being on the Rams volleyball team than just popping up the ball to teammates and racking up stats.
She loved the camaraderie and being associated with a team, providing her own form of leadership and experiencing it all with feelings of contentment and commitment.
Giovanopoulos also mentored teammates on the proper balance between volleyball and academics and how to handle life as a university student.
“It’s a tough sport with only six players plus a libero on the court. There’s two at each position and, as with any high-level sport, you have a go-to player,” reasoned Giovanopoulos.
“I was happy to learn from them. There will always be someone a little bit better. When the competition is close, they choose the best. While it wasn’t me, I was really happy to be on the team.”
She persevered with grace and acceptance. She never considered leaving the team, although she was often asked that question.
“Honestly, I was happy to be there and help. I had a great time at Ryerson in the athletic community,” said Giovanopoulos, who described Senior Day as an exciting experience. “It made for an incredible environment. I made great friendships with the coaching staff and the girls. It’s what kept me coming back. I have no complaints.”
Being on a winning team helped. During her five years, Ryerson posted a 74-22 regular season record, reached the OUA Final Four three times and finished second, fourth and first in her last three seasons.
On the day of the U Sports final against the University of Alberta, some Rams were dealing with injuries and illness, which triggered worry and doubt. That, however, was where Giovanopoulos’s leadership emerged. She served as a sounding board and made teammates laugh to ease their anxiety.
“That whole national championship experience was unforgettable.”
CAPITAL SPORTS HUB
Charlotte McLaughlin of Ottawa won gold and silver medals in the North American Youth equestrian championships at North Salem, N.Y. Riding 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding Bronan, McLaughlin wasn’t assessed any penalties in any of her rides as she helped Canada to the team gold medal and took silver in the individual competition. She lost the individual title to teammate Olivia Stephenson in a jump-off decided by the time clock.
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