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BEHCHOKO/RAE-EDZO
Tsi'wa Camsell knows the importance of team spirit. The Grade 8 student at Chief Jimmy Bruneau School in Behchoko says she believes in the power of positive thinking, especially when it comes to winning volleyball games.

Tsi-wa Camsell, a Grade 8 student at Chief Jimmy Bruneau School in Behchoko, says she believes in staying positive and encouraging her volleyball team. - photo courtesy of Patti Turner

Camsell and her teammates participated in the Junior Spike It Tournament in Yellowknife on the weekend of Oct. 27.

"I just like to encourage them to try their best and I say, 'Come on girls, we can do this. We came here to win,'" she said.

Coach Michael Botermans said Camsell's attitude was inspirational.

"She was the one who really stood out for team spirit," he said. "She wanted to cheer and she wanted to cheer loud."

Botermans said the school sent two teams to the tournament and even though Camsell was on the B team that was eliminated during the quarterfinals, she encouraged the A team to do its best. The A team went on to win in its division.

"I found that real leadership," Botermans said. "I think that's the kind of role model you want on your team."

This is the first year Camsell has played volleyball, but she said she loves the sport because it's fun and easy to learn.

"It's not really that hard," she said.

Camsell said not only did she enjoy playing the game while on the trip, she also enjoyed observing other players and teams.

"My favourite part was starting to play the game and watching other people play," she said.

She also said she liked getting a chance to meet new people and travelling with the team.

"When we start to play, it's the best part of going on the trip. Most of my friends go and it's a fun thing to do," she said. "We meet new people and do the game and try to win."

Back at school, Camsell said her favourite classes are math and gym.

Botermans said he knows that for Camsell, being positive is a personal choice. He said he believes her character will help her achieve whatever goals she chooses throughout her life.

"I think nice people nowadays is what it's all about. Nice is what really matters in the world," he said. "She kind of exemplified it this weekend."

For now, Camsell said she knows keeping a clear head is the key to success, which she will continue to share with her team.

"I make them feel comfortable and stuff like that, so we don't feel nervous and we can try to win," she said.

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