For Steven Reid, volleyball is more than a sport—it’s a tradition, a point of pride, and a way of life at École Plamondon School. Over the past 20 years, he’s helped shape a culture with volleyball at the core of student life.
“Volleyball is what we’re known for, and I take pride in that,” he said. “There was established programming volleyball before I got here, but we’ve taken it to the next level over time.”
That next level includes a thriving school program, strong junior high and high school teams, and a busy gym packed with students playing ball at every opportunity.
“If you would’ve been here at lunchtime, you’d have seen there’s 25 kids in the gym playing,” he added. “It’s just part of our school now.”
Reid’s passion for the sport extends into the community as well. For the past 12 years, he has been a driving force behind the Plamondon Volleyball Club Wolfpack (PVCW), where he currently coaches the U18 girls team and serves as vice-president. The club has grown to include seven competitive teams and has earned a reputation that reaches far beyond town limits.
“What started as just strong school teams evolved into something more,” Reid explained. “We wanted to move beyond just school-based athletics programs and competitions, and to do that, you’ve got to play eight months of the year. We had the kids who wanted it. I wanted it. Other coaches got involved—and suddenly, we’re bringing kids in from all over.”
The PVCW now attracts players from Smoky Lake, Athabasca, Bonnyville, Cold Lake, St. Paul, Grassland, Boyle—and, of course, Plamondon.
“We’ve become a hub,” he said. “Plamondon obviously isn’t a metropolis, but we’ve become the central place for kids to play competitive volleyball.”
Reid’s U18 girls team competed at Youth Nationals in Edmonton last month, placing 69th out of 151 teams from across the country.
“It was an absolute blast—one of my favourite events ever,” he said. “It might not dramatic or impressive at first, but when you’re talking about the top teams in Canada, that’s pretty great.”
The U18 boys team also earned a strong finish, placing 51st out of 110 teams.
Despite his central role, Reid is quick to credit the team around him.
“I don’t deserve the attention for the volleyball success,” he said. “It’s a whole team of people here that’s doing the job. I just kind of steer the ship and try to be a main contact, but a good team of people working toward the same things really goes a long way. I think that’s why we’ve been able to build such strong programming.”
Reid’s impact reaches beyond volleyball. As Athletics Director and longtime staff member, he’s built deep roots in the school and community over the past two decades.
“It wasn’t my intention to stay in Plamondon forever,” he admitted. “As a new grad, I figured I’d come out here, cut my teeth, get some experience, and move on. But it’s grown into a special place for me. My kids have come up through the school and graduated. We’ve built special relationships with the people here—and as someone who grew up in Edmonton and Calgary, I really love the small-town feel and pace of life here.”
Whether he’s mentoring students, building programs, or cheering from the sidelines, Steven Reid’s dedication continues to shape a volleyball legacy—and a community—where young athletes can thrive. For that reason, Northern Lights Public Schools is pleased to recognize him as our Staff Shining Star this month.