Flagstaff Area Feature Business is a monthly newspaper and web feature published in partnership by Flagstaff County and Community Press.

In a town where community values ​​and athleticism are deeply rooted, the Killam Spartans Volleyball Club stands as a beacon of sportsmanship and unity.

In 1988, the Bob “Mr. G.” Gabrook Club was transformed into a local facility in Flagstaff County, offering young women the opportunity to play competitive volleyball and grow through experiences far beyond the court. Masu.

Chelsea Nielsen, club director and one of the coaches, shared insight into what makes the Spartans unique and impactful.

“This club was founded to create a space for Bob’s daughters and his friends’ daughters to play competitive volleyball here in Flagstaff,” she says. “We started small but have steadily grown over the years due to the need and love for the sport.”

Currently, the Killam Spartans welcome girls ages 13 to 18 from all over Flagstaff County and beyond and support up to three teams. This growth reflects the club’s evolving mission to provide young athletes with competitive play as well as a sense of belonging. Nielsen said the club’s vision is clear: to provide a “competitive club volleyball experience” and a place for girls to connect, build friendships and create lasting memories.

A place to create bonds and a place to belong

One of the club’s guiding principles is to foster a family-like environment. The Spartans don’t just train together. They bond through organized events that go beyond the volleyball court.

“We actually budget for team cohesion,” Nielsen explains. “We had a sleepover overnight at one of the coaches’ churches. They’re not just with us for one season. They’re with us beyond that. becomes part of the Spartan family.”

This culture of connection continues long after the player leaves the club. Spartans alumni are known to come back for the annual alumni game to relive memories and reconnect with the club.

“When they come back, it shows what we’ve built in the (Spartans) family and what our current players are stepping into,” Nielsen said. For the Spartans, success is more than just wins and losses, it’s about building a community that our athletes can look back on with pride and love.

Making volleyball affordable and accessible

In rural areas, keeping sports accessible is vital. The club operates with some of the lowest membership fees in the area through local fundraising, donations, grants, and a variety of events. From online auctions to alumni tournaments, these activities help reduce costs for players. Every few years, the club also participates in casino fundraisers to generate additional support. This initiative ensures that there is no financial barrier for families who aspire to join the club.

The challenges of rural clubs and the spirit that drives them

Operating in a rural area comes with unique challenges. Many of our athletes are involved in other extracurricular activities, from senior year and hockey to school sports and dance. The Spartans live up to these promises by keeping practice schedules flexible and adjusting based on the athletes’ other activities. “We don’t want to compete with other local opportunities,” Nielsen said. “Instead, we try to help them balance everything because we know how much those experiences mean to them.”

The club’s rural identity also gives it a unique spirit. “We may not be the tallest, most skilled team,” Nielsen admits. “But we have heart, and that more than makes up for anything else. Our athletes are very motivated and bring great pride to the Spartans.”

A legacy of excellence and community impact

One of the Spartans’ proudest accomplishments is having alumni return as coaches, or grandparents watching their grandchildren play in the same gyms where their children played.

This multigenerational participation highlights the club’s lasting impact on the community. “All of our coaches were once players here, so it’s a very special experience,” Nielsen said. “It’s a cycle. We create memories and traditions that connect people to this area.”

Beyond volleyball, the club instills values ​​that shape players’ lives off the court.

“These are not just athletes; these are young women who will one day raise the next generation,” Nielsen said. “We want to give them skills, tools and memories that they can carry with them and hopefully pass it on to their own children one day.”

Respect the vision of your beloved coach

At the heart of Killam Spartans’ tradition is the lasting influence of the late Mr G, a beloved coach who left a deep mark on the club. “Every time I walk into the gym, I think, ‘What would Mr. G do?’ He dedicated so much of his time to the Spartans, and everything we do is done with him and his family in mind. ” Nielsen recalls.

One of Nielsen’s fondest memories as a coach was seeing Mr. G’s name on the Coach of the Year banner at the Volleyball Alberta Tournament. “It was my first premiership tournament with the Spartans, and seeing his name reminded me that he was still with us and guiding us,” she says.

For Nielsen and the rest of the coaching staff, continuing Mr. G’s legacy is a huge responsibility.

“I started here as an athlete and the experience changed my life. Now I feel it is my duty to give back to this club that has given me so much.” she looks back.

Looking to the future

The Spartans are excited about the future with plans to expand their summer camp and provide even more opportunities for young athletes.

The club’s presence on social media helps it reach a wider audience and attract players from other communities outside of Flagstaff County. And as they move forward, they remain dedicated to the mission Bob Gabrak set forth in 1988: providing a place where young women can find joy, connection and a place in volleyball.

To follow the Killam Spartans’ journey, check them out on Facebook and Instagram and watch live streaming games on YouTube.

Nielsen said: “Our goal is to continue to build positive, meaningful experiences for area families and welcome new families. We carry on the tradition, and every time we step on the court, we make it a point of pride for our community. We are making sure that it is what you think it is.”