Three Generations of Volleyball

In Akwesasne, lacrosse and hockey may be the dominant sports, but there is also a strong and growing volleyball population. This is illustrated perfectly by people such as Kahnastatsi Jacobs, her daughter Melissa Oakes, and her Granddaughter Bailey. They all play or have played volleyball, both Kahnastatsi and Melissa coach, as well. For all of them, volleyball was a secondary sport, but the interest and importance grew to where it is now. After the tournament, Kahnastatsi was teaching a free volleyball skills clinic.

Kahnastatsi got involved with volleyball in college, but basketball was her primary sport. It wasn’t until Melissa was playing volleyball that Kahnastatsi really got into the coaching aspect. Melissa’s first sport was swimming, but volleyball was always a family game. Due to her size and strength she was kind of a natural, but owes her success to her family being hard on her.

Melissa plays now in a 3-season volleyball club in New York City. She started in division 4, each year she has moved up a division to where she is now on a sponsored division 1 team, called Team Deep Dig, which now has a winning record. She owes a lot to her start in Akwesasne, but her play really sharpened up while playing in New York. “I love it! It’s like my pastime you know? I’d rather do that than go out to a party. I’d rather sleep and play a tournament in the morning,” Melissa said. Melissa started playing beach volleyball last year. She expects that next year she may go semi-pro in FIVB Open, “I’m pushing for it,” she said.

Melissa’s daughter Bailey played at the tournament for the Falcons 15u squad, which took gold. Melissa said she expects Bailey to be even better than she is. Bailey was pretty tight lipped about all of this, more or less taking in the end of the tournament.

It’s families like this, the ones that get into the game as a whole, who are a real inspiration. I am glad that there are people here who can bring their love of the game and make it accessible to everyone. Great work, ladies! I can’t wait for next year!