80 in 80: Grand Valley

As part of our efforts to preview all 80 teams competing in USQ World Cup 8, the Quidditch Post is chatting with representatives from each team. Today we spoke with John Alexander, captain and coach of the Grand Valley Grindylows (GVSU). 

Photo courtesy of Grand Valley Grindylows

Quidditch Post: Grand Valley shocked everyone by making bracket play last year. What goals does the team have this season?
John: For my team, the only goal is the next game we have to play. Obviously, we want to be as successful as possible, but the way we are going to obtain that success is by taking it one game at a time.

QP: What is it going to take to achieve that goal?

John: Continued hard work and focus on conditioning, technique, and strategy is what we're focusing on. There is no secret to being successful; it's all about putting in the hours and then letting it pay off in competition.

QP: Definitely. What is Grand Valley looking forward to most about World Cup?

John: Mostly just spending time together, meeting new people, reuniting with old friends, and first and foremost, playing some quidditch!

QP: Are there any out of region teams you would like to play against?

John: None come to mind, but we're always excited about playing teams that we wouldn't normally get to play against.

QP: Who are a few "under-the-radar" players who could make an impact for GVSU at World Cup?

John: Honestly, all of the GVSU players are 'under-the-radar' because no one knows who any of us are. However, some players that deserve more recognition are freshman beater Collin Charron and senior chaser Katie Tompkins.

QP: Could you go into a bit more detail on why you believe those two deserve more recognition?

John: Collin is a young player with endless potential. We were missing two of our top beaters at the regional championship this year, and he played enough for both of them. Not only that, but he has the endurance to continuously play aggressively and has great instincts.

Katie has been on the team all four years she's been at Grand Valley. I'm convinced that she's one of the top female chasers in the region, and I have no idea how no one has picked up on that. Katie always knows exactly where to be, when to pass, and when to shoot. She also has the hands to make incredible catches and can drive to the hoop like nobody's business. Katie probably accounted for 20 percent of the team's scoring last World Cup.

QP: That's awesome to have workhorses like that.

John: Agreed. However, I think part of the reason that no one on my team sticks out is because we rely on everyone to contribute, and the pressure to perform isn't all on one person.

QP: That could definitely contribute to why no one in particular stands out. Anyhow, I think that's everything. Thank you very much!

John: No problem!