St. John’s Antigua- New head coach of the national women’s volleyball team Ezron Gittens said it came as a surprise but he gladly accepted the opportunity.
Gittens, a former senior national men’s team player, took over the reigns from Harris Lewis.
Gittens also credits Lewis, to whom he has been an assist coach for a short time, as instrumental in catapulting him into the top coaching post.
“First of all it’s a small surprise to me, but it’s something that I’ve grasp with pleasure,” Gittens said.
“I have been around volleyball for 18 years. My (national coaching stint) started last year with Harris Lewis, who invited me to be his assistant as he was coaching the girls for an invitational tournament in St Thomas.
“Thereafter, during our time working together, he said he always wanted me to coach because he thinks that I have a good rapport with people, I have been through a lot in the game and I should be able to coach.
“I told him that I wasn’t ready to retire from playing as yet. However, we continue to work together, and earlier this year, he told me he was practically handing over the reigns to me fully and I welcomed the opportunity to do that.”
Gittens has been experiencing life as the new head coach for the past two months since he has been preparing the national women’s team for the upcoming 2014 world qualifiers in Tortola from June 7-10.
Gittens said although it has been a challenge, he is quite happy with the positive response he has been getting from the players thus far.
“Well I must say that none of these, such tasks come without their challenges, but it is something that I’ve enjoyed. I like working with the team. I’ve gotten good results, good responses,” Gittens said.
“I have gotten the respect from the players as well and they know, of course, that they do have my ultimate respect.
“It’s quite a challenge, of course, especially when it comes to working with ladies.
“But it is nothing beyond us. We have really gotten quite a lot done over the past few months and we will continue to progress.”
