Tabi Love (Dauphin, MB) is a club national champion, NCAA Champion, National Team and International club athlete. We catch up with Tabi recently as she competes this season in the Korean V-League with the Heungkuk Life Pinkspiders.
Volleyball Manitoba – Growing up in Dauphin, how did you get started in volleyball?
Tabi Love – I was first introduced to volleyball through my parents; my mom played volleyball in college (Jamestown, ND) and my dad had been the head coach of the boys’ high school program in Gilbert Plains, MB. I vividly remember going to his practices, begging him to let me play. For the most part I filled water bottles and annoyed him, but his passion in coaching definitely sparked my interest in the sport. I began playing club volleyball in the sixth grade, when I was 12 years old. I was fortunate that several people in my community also had an interest in the sport, and they created the club now known as the Parkland Vipers. Into my high school years, my dad continued to coach me during my school seasons. My parents made the sacrifice to have me play club outside of Dauphin, first in Selkirk, then in Brandon so that I could be competing at the highest level. This was a huge commitment, but after winning two club national titles and being recruited to the top NCAA Division I schools, we agreed it had been worth it.
VM – After high school you competed in the US winning an NCAA championship with UCLA in 2011. Tell us about your university experience south of the border.
TL – My university experience was really unique, as I ended up transferring after my sophomore year and got to play for two different programs. Each team had its own set of qualities that made them great learning experiences in their respective way. At Minnesota we were able to make it to the Final Four my freshman year and the Elite Eight my second year. Although winning the national championship with UCLA in 2011 could be considered my greatest collegiate accolade, for me personally, it was my transition into an All American caliber athlete my senior year that sticks with me the most. I felt that I was only able to do this because of the wonderful coaching staff I had at UCLA, and the relationship I had with them. I completely bought into their vision, and I worked as hard as I have ever worked to become the player we agreed they needed me to be. For me, I will never regret my decision to play in the NCAA. I know many players battle the decision between NCAA versus CIS, but I think it ultimately comes down to the player, and what goals they have for themselves in the sport.
VM – You’ve played professionally now in several countries, this season in Korea for the Heungkuklife Pinkspiders. What is life like as an international athlete?
TL – I have been very fortunate in that the past 5 years I have been living and playing volleyball abroad. I’ve played in Puerto Rico, Poland, Azerbaijan, Germany, and now Korea. Each country has come with its own set of challenges, but the opportunity to see the world and meet so many amazing people has outweighed any adversity I have faced. I will admit, the life of a professional volleyball player isn’t overly glamorous; the typical day usually consists of spending around 5-7 hours in the gym, either lifting or doing ball training. At this point in my career I have really learned to focus on the “little things” when it comes to perfecting my game, as my improvements are no longer gained in large increments as they used to be. This season, I am working to better my cross-body shot and my hand positioning while blocking. It is a never-ending process; I will never be where I want to be, but I am lucky that I get to wake up and try again tomorrow.
VM – You’ve represented Canada with the national team for several years competing in numerous major competitions during this period. What is your most memorable moment or experience wearing the maple leaf?
TL – The national team has been such an amazing experience for me as an athlete. It is a big commitment to come back from overseas and go right back to training, but the opportunity to represent your country at the international level is too big of an honour to pass up. I was definitely sad to see the program leave its home in Winnipeg, but I hope that it will find what it is looking for in Richmond. Personally, my favourite Team Canada memory (as well as my favourite athletic memory in general) was when the national team hosted Peru back in 2013. We were able to play with them in Winnipeg at the Investors Group Athletic Centre, and then also in Dauphin at my former high school. I will never forget the feeling of putting on my Team Canada jersey in the same locker room that I laced my first pair of volleyball shoes. Hearing my name being called, and running out to the stands full of my family and friends was such an unforgettable experience. Being so far away from home in university and overseas, I forgot what it felt like to look up and see a familiar face, let alone a thousand familiar faces, all there to show their support. I think of this moment often, and it serves as a reminder of why I keep playing.
VM – What are your future plans with volleyball?
TL – I am still very optimistic about my future in volleyball, and I feel that I still have a lot to offer the sport. I hope to continue playing for as long as I can, but when I feel that it is time to step down, I really hope that I can begin coaching. My husband and I bought a house in Dauphin this past year, and my long-term plan definitely includes moving back home and giving back to the community that gave me so much. So far my two sisters and I have all won high school championships with the DRCSS, and that’s a legacy I hope to continue!
VM – What advice do you have for the young volleyball players in Manitoba who are wrapping up their school seasons this month and starting club in the new-year?
TL – My advice for the young volleyball players in Manitoba would be to keep playing the sport, as much as you can! Every repetition that you are able to get will only improve your overall game. High school seasons are great, but playing club and eventually participating in provincial/national team programs are what can take you to the next level. This summer will be extra special as Winnipeg is actually hosting the Canada Summer Games – which is a huge honour! Manitoba has always been such a great ambassador for women’s volleyball in Canada, and I can’t wait to see what this next generation will accomplish.
