It is with great pride that the administration of LHS announces the Livonia Volleyball Team has been chosen as the 2016 CCBVO Sportsmanship Award Winner for Division III. In 2014, LHSAA began a program-called the LHSAA Sportsmanship Award-in recognition for going “Beyond the Game” to empower others through exemplary sportsmanship both on and off the court.

By definition, good sporting behavior means playing a game by the rules, respecting those rules, and being courteous to teammates, the officials, and the other team. A good sport may be unhappy about losing a game or match, but they won’t take out their unhappiness on the other team. Good sports remain calm and respectful, and think out how they can improve their performance the next time. On the other hand, the good sport that is ahead on points when the game ends also remains respectful and does not gloat or brag. This is exemplified not only by the actions of the coach, players, and managers, but also cheerleaders, school administrators, parents, and fans for all home and away matches during the season.

LHSAA asked that each of the seven state volleyball associations nominate one team for this year’s sportsmanship award. CCBVO is one of the largest associations in the state servicing 47 area schools. The association felt it was too hard to choose just one team out of the 47 schools, so they choose one team from each division. Then from the names of the five divisional winners, CCBVO members vote and chose one team that will represent CCBVO as the overall winner. That entire team will be recognized and presented a plaque by LHSAA prior to their divisional state finals match at the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner, Louisiana.

The LHS Lady Wildcat team, along with Head Coach Karen Wooley and a packed gymnasium, were honored prior to the Livonia vs. Plaquemine volleyball match on Monday, October 24. The entire Pointe Coupee Parish School system is honored to have such outstanding young ladies represent the district. In learning of this accomplishment, Superintendent Kevin Lemoine was one of the first educators to congratulate Coach Wooley and her team. “In a time when athletes are often judged by whether they win or lose a contest, it is refreshing to learn that many of our student athletes understand the real meaning of being a part of a team. The true lesson that being part of a team should teach us is that regardless of whether we win or lose, we should always play the game with the utmost respect for our opponents, the officials, and our coaches. True sportsmanship is characterized by following the rules of the game, respecting the judgement of the officials, and treating our opponents with respect. Instead of focusing on winning at all costs, I encourage our athletes to strive towards excellence in all that they do, both on the field and in the classroom. When our athletic careers are over, the lessons we learn about teamwork, not the wins, will have the greatest impact on our lives. Congratulations, Wildcat Volleyball Team!”