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From the start of her volleyball career to now, 15-year-old Paiton Stoesz may have come to the sport a little later, but with her talent, competitiveness and love of the game, she continues to be a star.
From the ice to the court
Starting in sports, Stoesz says she actually started in a very different sport from the one she plays now. "I started off by playing hockey," the La Broquerie product says with her trademark smile. "In the winter of 2022/23, I decided to quit hockey and really focus on volleyball."
As to why she decided to make such a drastic shift, Stoesz says it was an easy, natural thing. "I really think it was the community change, the community was really different. Just, different experiences, and I felt like I had more passion for it, and was having more fun."
Switching from hockey to volleyball forced Stoesz to really switch up her skillset, something she's loved working on. "It's 100% been a drastic change," she says with a chuckle. "Getting a different amount of competitiveness, and I found I really wanted to improve in volleyball, more than I did in hockey. I've worked hard and put in more effort."
Competitive from day one
Growing up, Stoesz says she has always had a competitive streak, thanks to those around her. "I think I've always been very competitive, I come from a competitive family."
Part of that competitive fire has fed her desire to be great at volleyball, which she says, with help from others, has made her want to be at her best. "It's been really great. It takes a lot of really good coaches, great people, a lot of time, and a lot of reps. Very different from hockey. It's different practices, and you still get to have fun while growing in the sport."
Very important position
Stoesz didn't dip a toe into volleyball, she jumped into the deep end, playing a very important, key position, libero. "Last season, being a libero, it was a huge change for me, it was my first year playing that. It was really awesome going through the different positions, what part you play in the team, and really what you have to put up."
The position of libero is one that comes with a lot of watching, and reacting to help teammates, a skill Stoesz is working on, and loving. "It was honestly, a lot to take in at first," she says with a smile. "I had to really learn about the blocks that the other teams are hitting, which wouldn't normally be something I'd focus in on, if I was in the front row. Being the main line of defense, it was really a cool opportunity to learn to read everything, and lead the team in that way."
Teammates, more like family
Joining Taika, Stoesz has really found a home with some incredible players and friends, something she has cherished. "I specifically love this team because we are awesome, we're all friends, we like to build our athletic skills, but also our characters and our perspectives altogether. The coaches are really awesome, they're great people and very involved. So, we're all very close, and I really like that."
Volleyball being the central love to build lifelong friendships on is also something Stoesz has really grown to appreciate. "We're always hanging out at each others houses, we're always doing team bonding, it's just been really great."
Love and support
Getting to where she is, Stoesz says wouldn't have been possible without the support around her. "My mom has been there for everything, my sister came to Edmonton with us for nationals, and my family has always been a great support. Especially when switching over to volleyball from hockey, they definitely supported me."
Fundraiser today
Today is a big day for Taika volleyball, as the team will be out raising money for a special, once-in-a-lifetime trip. "Today, from 3-8, we're going to be at Source For Sports in Steinbach, doing a carwash. We are taking a trip to Cuba this upcoming club season, and we'll be going for ten days for some cultural exchange and athletic experiences."
To have the community come out and help it would mean the world to Stoesz and the team. "We're really reaching out to the community to help make this happen, and hopefully it can go really smoothly, so we can make it an annual tradition, so that all of our younger age groups have something to look forward to. It's all by donation, there is no set amount, but I will say if anyone is donating to the Cuba trip, there is 100% a tax receipt."