Flagstaff Featured Business: Killam Spartans Volleyball Club
The Flagstaff Region Featured Business is a monthly newspaper and web feature presented in partnership by Flagstaff County and The Community Press.
“Every time we walk through these gym doors, we always think ‘what would Mr. G do?’ There’s often times when we’ve been in difficult situations or are just questioning some decisions, we always think ‘what would Mr. G do?’
When we are successful, whenever we win a medal, or win… pic.twitter.com/cRIw5013AJ
— Caribou Publishing (@CaribouPub) November 13, 2024
Killam Spartans
Volleyball Club
780-385-4794
killamspartans@gmail.com
In a town deeply rooted in community values and athletic spirit, the Killam Spartans Volleyball Club stands as a beacon of sportsmanship and unity.
Since its founding in 1988 by Bob “Mr. G” Gabruck, the club has transformed into a local institution in Flagstaff County, giving young women an opportunity to play competitive volleyball and grow through experiences that stretch far beyond the court.
Chelsea Nielsen, club director and one of the coaches, shared insights into what makes the Spartans unique and impactful.
“The club was founded to create a space for Bob’s daughters, and his friends’ daughters, to play competitive volleyball right here in Flagstaff,” she says. “It started small, but the need and love for the sport made it grow steadily over the years.”
Today, the Killam Spartans welcome girls ages 13 to 18 from all over Flagstaff County and even beyond, supporting as many as three teams. This growth reflects the club’s evolving mission: to offer young athletes not only competitive play but a sense of belonging. The club’s vision is clear – to provide “a competitive club volleyball experience” and a place for girls to connect, build friendships, and create lasting memories, according to Nielsen.
A Place to Bond and Belong
One of the club’s guiding principles is fostering a family-like environment. The Spartans don’t just train together; they bond through organized events that go beyond the volleyball court.
“We actually budget for team bonding,” Nielsen explains. “We had an overnight sleepover at one of our coaches’ church. They’re not just with us for a season. They’re with us beyond that. And they become a part of the Spartans family.”
This culture of connection continues long after players leave the club. Spartans alumni are known to return for annual alumni games, reliving memories and reconnecting with the club.
“When they come back, it shows the (Spartans) family what we’ve built and what our current players are stepping into,” Nielsen says. For the Spartans, success isn’t just about wins and losses – it’s about building a community that athletes can look back on with pride and affection.
Keeping Volleyball Affordable and Accessible
In a rural setting, keeping the sport accessible is vital. The club operates with some of the lowest fees in the area, achieved through local fundraising, donations, grants, and a variety of events. From online auctions to alumni tournaments, these activities help reduce costs for players. Every few years, the club also participates in casino fundraising to generate additional support. This commitment ensures that finances aren’t a barrier for families eager to join the club.
Challenges of a Rural Club – and the Heart That Drives It
Operating in a rural area brings unique challenges. Many of the athletes are involved in other extracurriculars, from 4-H and hockey to school sports and dance. The Spartans accommodate these commitments by staying flexible with their practice schedules, often adjusting based on athletes’ other activities. “We don’t want to compete with other local opportunities,” Nielsen says. “Instead, we work to help them balance everything because we know how much those experiences mean to them.”
The club’s rural identity also gives it a distinctive spirit. “We might not be the tallest or the most skilled team,” Nielsen admits, “but we have heart, and that more than makes up for anything else. Our athletes have a lot of drive, and they bring a lot of pride for the Spartans.”
A Legacy of Excellence and Community Impact
One of the Spartans’ proudest achievements is seeing alumni return as coaches, or even grandparents watching their grandchildren play in the same gym that their kids played in.
This multigenerational involvement underscores the club’s lasting impact on the community. “All our coaches were once players here. It’s such a special experience,” Nielsen shares. “It’s a cycle – we’re creating memories and traditions that tie people to this area.”
Beyond volleyball, the club instills values that shape players’ lives off the court.
“They’re not just athletes; they’re young women who will one day raise the next generation,” says Nielsen. “We want to give them the skills, tools, and memories that they’ll carry with them and, hopefully, pass down to their own children someday.”
Honouring a Beloved Coach’s Vision
At the heart of the Killam Spartans’ legacy is the enduring influence of the late Mr. G, a beloved coach who left a profound mark on the club. “Every time we walk into the gym, we think, ‘What would Mr. G do?’ He dedicated so much time to the Spartans, and everything we do is with him and his family in mind,” Nielsen recalls.
One of Nielsen’s fondest memories as a coach was seeing Mr. G’s name on a Coach of the Year banner at a Volleyball Alberta tournament. “It was my first premier tournament with the Spartans, and seeing his name was a reminder that he’s still with us, guiding us,” she says.
For Nielsen and the rest of the coaching staff, continuing Mr. G’s legacy is a profound responsibility.
“I started as an athlete here, and the experience changed my life. Now, I feel it’s my duty to give back to this club that has given me so much,” she reflects.
Looking to the Future
The Spartans are excited for the future, with plans to expand their summer camps and offer even more opportunities for young athletes.
The club’s presence on social media has helped them reach wider audiences, attracting players from other communities outside of Flagstaff County. And as they move forward, they remain dedicated to the mission that Bob Gabruck set out in 1988 – to provide a space where young women can find joy, connection, and a home in volleyball.
To follow the Killam Spartans journey, check them out on Facebook and Instagram, and catch their live-streamed games on YouTube.
As Nielsen says, “Our goal is to keep building positive, meaningful experiences for the families in our area, and to welcome new ones. We’re carrying on a legacy, and every time we step on the court, we’re making sure it’s one that our community can be proud of.”
