Renelle Forde model athlete

. How long have you been involved in competitive Volleyball?

I started when I was 13-years-old with the Morgan volleyball club, afterwards I made it to the national junior team and then the national senior team where I am now a captain. I studied Sports Management at Florida International University (FIU) where I got an athletic scholarship. I competed abroad for a few years before returning home.

How was the experience of training and competing abroad, away from family and friends?

College was crucial in my development not only in terms of my skill as an athlete, but my holistic development as well. When I was on the volleyball team for FIU, I was a part of a Division One team, which meant that we were the highest level athletic team in the United States. It was difficult at times but I believe that the experience was a good one because it provided me with a sense of independence and maturity that I carry with me to this day.

Recently our Olympic athletes have been heavily criticised on social media for their failure to secure medals at the Rio games. Being an athlete yourself, who has competed on an international scale, how do you feel about the amount of criticism they have received?

I definitely don’t agree with what a lot of people have been on the backs of our athletes since their performance. Yes, I agree that it was a bit disappointing, but I can’t criticise them for their efforts. I for one know the kind of pressure that goes into events of such magnitude. It was a tremendous effort on their part and I’m proud of their efforts regardless. These days everyone has an opinion through social media and that’s okay, you’re entitled to your own opinion, you’re not entitled to your own facts and I don’t think that they know the facts behind athletes’ preparation and hard work.

With that in mind, do you see Trinidad and Tobago sending a volleyball team to the Olympics in the future?

Of course, in terms of volleyball especially I think that our athletes definitely have what it takes to take it to the next level. I think our local coaches especially need to be more exposed to the level of training that takes place on the international scale. Volleyball in TT has undergone such drastic changes in such a relatively short spate of time, before the current coach, Francisco Cruz, started working expectations weren’t high for volleyball but now that we’re receiving support we’re on our way to competing on the Global scale. But I have no doubt that we will be sending Volleyball teams to future Olympic Games, in fact it may happen sooner than you think.

You’ve served as the captain of both the Junior and Senior National Volleyball teams, what is your leadership style?

I lead by example. I don’t think that leading by 5

example is a good leadership style, I think it’s the only leadership style. How can I expect my teammates to perform in the face of adversity if I can’t do it myself? Being vocal and being able to inspire others is what really makes a leader in my experience.

You’ve certainly demonstrated a lot of skill as an athlete on the volleyball court, where do you see yourself in the next five years?

Wow that’s a difficult question. Given my dedication and passion for volleyball I want to continue my career as a professional athlete and when that is over I intend to go into Sports Management, I take a whole-hearted interest into every aspect of sport from the practical sense to the administrative sense.

Your father, Esmond Forde is the Member of Parliament for Tunapuna, how has he really shaped you in your development?

Yes, he’s a very hard-working man, I credit my strong work ethic to him. He’s played an integral role in almost every aspect of my life from school to my career as an athlete I really do owe him a lot. Sometimes, because of his work I may not always be able to see him but I know he’s there for me every step of the way. He would drop me off for training and pick me back up, he’s more than just my father, he’s my motivator, my mentor, the man who taught me the value of hard work and what it means.

Is it hard being the daughter of a politician?

Not really (laughs), when he entered politics back in 2010 I was still away in Florida finishing my degree, but whenever I returned home for vacation I never felt pressured to fit a particular role or to act a certain way. I was never scrutinised by any one because my dad was a politician. I wasn’t thrust into local celebrity status or anything, my life hasn’t changed to any great extent since he entered public office, it’s not as big a deal as some people might think.

How big a role does family play in your life?

Huge. I can’t begin to explain how much my family has helped me over the years. We’re very close-knit, everything from time management to basic skills around the house I’ve learnt from them. They supported me every step of the way. I’ve been truly blessed to have a group of people that support me this way.

Are you married?

Nope (laughs), not married and no children at least not right now.

Besides your father, who has influenced you the most in your development?

I would have to say my coach, Francisco Cruz, I’ve known him since I first began volleyball so many years ago and he has been with me every step of the way. As athletes we don’t just look to our coaches for help in the game, sometimes they teach us valuable lessons about discipline, sacrifice and grace that we take off the court as well. I’m very grateful for his support.

What was your most disappointing moment?

When I was in college in my final year I suffered a bad injury and I wasn’t able to play. It really hurt me that I wasn’t able to compete and win one last time. I was grateful for it though, because it taught me to never take my ability for granted, one day you’re at the top of the sport and the other you athletic career is over because of an injury. I value what I have and I’m very grateful for my talent.

What advice do you have for young women who may be reading this article, who may be seeking some kind of direction?

Do what you have a passion for doing. Pursue your passion; pursue your dreams regardless of the circumstances. It’s not going to be easy, it will be hard, but stand out from the rest. Victory is good, but at the same time failure can just be a stepping stone towards bigger and better things. Take everything that comes your way in stride and never compromise yourself for anything or anyone.