Private BIOGRAPHY Sport

Name: Janis Louise Kelly Date of Birth: 20/03/1971 Place of Birth:   Winnipeg, Manitoba (Canada) Languages: English, Italian, French, Turkish. Profession: Volleyball player My twin brother Rodney and I were born second last in a family of 7 children to Jamaican born parents, Kathleen and Alvin Kelly.  Among the many sports that I played in both elementary and high school (from soccer to baseball, track and field to basketball), in volleyball I'd found something that was both fun and that I was good at, with which I could seek refuge from the stresses of my life. A few years later I would realize the importance of that choice when I was offered a sport scholarship to study and to play volleyball at the University of Winnipeg.  Thanks to that scholarship, I became the first person in my family to attend University and receive a degree. My volleyball career began late at the age of 14 at Daniel McIntyre Collegiate Institute (DMCI - High School).  In the 3 years of Junior High School (Cecil Rhodes), there were always a large number of girls who came out to volleyball try-outs.  In practises, that number became so low that it prevented  our participation in the championship.  An interesting fact, however, was that several years earlier after seeing me perform (badly) the few volleyball skills that I knew, my physical education teacher Mrs. Joyal, said to me, "One day you'll be a great volleyball player."  What ever did she see in me?! At 21 years old, I had already become a strong hitter in position 4 and was invited to join the Canadian National Volleyball Team.  With Team Canada, 1992-2000, I would gain valuable international experience by playing against strong European, Asian, and American teams.  I represented Canada as one of the starting Power hitters in the 1996 Olympic Games (Atlanta, USA). Well known in the volleyball world for my notable power in attack,  I am especially recognized for my spike serve (powerful, consistent, and very effective, even with the new volleyball rules).  I began jump serving in 1992 thanks to Canadian National Team coach Mike Burchuk.  With time and practice,  I've perfected my rather unique style, making it more efficient as well difficult, for the opposing team.  I played my first year of Professional volleyball in the 1996-1997 season in Istanbul, Turkey.  The next four years were played in the Italian Volleyball Championship League Series A (1997-2001).  In the 2000-2001 volleyball season, I would be asked to play Right side.  My talent as a hitter would show here as I quickly settled into the new role.  I would remain a starting hitter for Team Despar Perugia for most  of the season.  My evident energy, speed, and fighting spirit, prove to be very important against the various attacks of the opposing team.  **During my volleyball career, I've rarely been used for service reception due to my powerful back-row attack.  During the 1999-2000 volleyball season with Rio Marsì Palermo, I frequently had the opportunity to serve receive during the championship matches.   In the 2000-2001 season with Despar Perugia however, even though I was not asked to serve receive during the matches (due to other optimal players at this skill), I would continue to practise it in training.    Height: 175 cm. Weight: 70 Kg. Vertical: 310 cm. Block jump: 285 cm. Position: Power Hitter Other roles: Right Side Strengths: Attack, Spike serve University 1987 e 1988 Provincial Finalists (DMCI) 1987 e 1988 (DMCI) Varsity City Champions 1989  “Lady Wesmen” University of Winnipeg (U of W) 1990 Western Canada Game Champions 1991 Member of Junior Canadian National Team 1992  C.I.A.U University Championship Finalists  1993 C.I.A.U Champions Lady Wesmen National Team 1992 invited to Canadian  National Team   1993 Canada Cup 1994 Canada Cup 1995 World Cup (Japan) 1996  Olympic Games Atlanta(USA) 1997 Team Canada 1998 Team Canada 1999 June/August   Pan-American Games (Canada)  September   Norceca Tournament (Mexico) 2000 June  Olympic  Qualification Tournament (Japan) 2002 Canada Cup 02' 1°Pan American Cup 2003 Team Canada 2°Pan American Cup Grand Prix Professional Career   Turkey August 1996 – April 1997 Team Eczacibaşi Superleague 6th     Italy September 1997–April 1998 Team Cislago A1 11th     Italy August 1998 – May 1999 Team Busto Arsizio A2 1st     Italy August 1999 – May 2000 Team Rio Marsì Palermo A1 8th     Italy September 2000 – May 2001 Team Despar Perugia A1 6th    France September 2001 – May 2002 Team DAM Rochette Pro F 3rd      Italy September 2002 – May 2003 Team Di Meglio Busto Arsizio A2 9th