Volley South honours Jo Leiva and three Invercargill teachers for years of volunteer work in school volleyball

Jo Leiva has been a player, a coach, a referee, a board member and a volleyball parent, sometimes several of those at once. Now she has a distinguished service award to add to the list.

Volley South has honoured four women for years of volunteer work in the sport across Southland, the Southland Express reported on Friday. Jorgelina "Jo" Leiva, of Volley South, received the distinguished service award. Three teachers received service awards: Verdon College's Suzannah Schwarz, Donna Cowie from James Hargest College and Courtney Hansen from Southland Girls' High School. All four were presented at Volley South's regional schools prizegiving, held recently.

Executive officer Donna Milne said Volley South had put a lot of work into growing the sport around the region, but people were what really made a sporting community. "We are incredibly proud to recognise these four outstanding women, and we will never underestimate the value of those who give their time to make volleyball possible," she said. The awards were for people who went well beyond what was asked of them, often putting in hundreds of hours out of sight and expecting nothing back.

"Each has made a lasting difference to the opportunities available to our young people and the continued growth of our sport," Milne said.

Leiva, asked about her award, said she was "not in it for the money, awards or fame", though she joked she would not necessarily say no to any of them. She does it because she loves the game and likes passing on what she has learnt. To her, coaching is about relationships and trust as much as instruction. "After all, coaching is a two-way street — and quite often, the kids teach you just as much as you teach them!" she said.

Schwarz said she was surprised and flattered. She first got involved because her school needed teachers to help with volleyball, and then found it easy to keep saying yes. "Volleyball in Invercargill is also full of wonderful people, and I have genuinely loved being part of such a welcoming community," she said.

Cowie said she had no idea the award was coming. She used the moment to point to the many other teachers who give up their own time for school sport. "It is a shame that not everyone can be recognised for their invaluable contributions," she said. After many years as a teacher in charge of sport, she said she had seen how much sport and other activities outside the classroom mattered to students' wellbeing.

Hansen was told of her award at a school assembly and called it "a lovely surprise". She said watching students enjoy themselves and improve kept her coming back each year, and that the work mattered especially for girls. "Statistically there is a large drop in female participation and engagement in sports around the age of 14 which is a massive worry and issue for their long term wellbeing," she said. She described volleyball as a sport that suits every level and ability.

Four women, four surprised reactions, and a lot of volunteer hours. As Leiva put it, if she can help someone build their skills and confidence, "then I feel I've done something worthwhile".