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Spotlight - Official Alicia Pouw
2025-10-29
Keeping the Game Going – Volleyball Official Alicia Pouw
Every great tournament needs the players, the coaches, and the cheers from the stands, but it also needs the officials who make it all possible. At this weekend’s Spike It Junior Volleyball Tournament, Alicia Pouw stood at the center of the court, whistle in hand, helping the next generation of athletes play the game they love.Alicia started officiating about three years ago, right here in Yellowknife. Her first experience was at a Spike It Junior event, the same tournament she returned to this weekend. What inspired her to become a referee? A simple but powerful reason, to make sure young athletes never lose the chance to play. “There’s a shortage of referees in Yellowknife,” she explained. “And it would be devastating if kids ever missed out on these events because of that.”
Originally from Ontario, Alicia grew up playing Volleyball before moving North for work and school. She continued to play in intramurals and soon found herself wanting to give back to the sport that had shaped so much of her life. Now a certified official, she regularly referees local school tournaments, territorial events, and club competitions.
In the last few weeks alone, Alicia has been busy, from Lowry Hobbit to Spike It Junior, and soon Spike It Senior next weekend.
For Alicia, the importance of these events goes far beyond the score. “Sports help youth build confidence, communication skills, and teamwork,” she said. “It brings them together and keeps them moving, and that’s what it’s all about.”
Thank you, Alicia, for helping keep the game going, and for reminding us that leadership isn’t always about being in the spotlight, but about helping others shine.
Article by Thorsten Gohl