Nzondero finds new life in volleyball

Muhindo Nzondero enjoyed working the lines when he was a volleyball player but being a ref didn't cross his mind until officials suggested he give it a try. "I thought about ref'ing back in 2021 when all the other refs told me I was a good linesman." Nzondero told Powerplay Sports.

Nzondero didn't make the cut on the CCH volleyball team in grade 11 but would walk over to Kennedy to work the lines. "I think that was the first step for him to have interest in refereeing and we told him there's an opportunity for young male refs to be able to certified." said Andrew Papadopoulos, a coach at Kennedy and a certified ref who watched Nzondero fail to make the team again this past fall. "I was able to mentor and guide him into the path and I'm very proud him for being able to take those steps to do so."

"I'm happy it worked out the way it did." said the grade 12 student. "This is something I want to continue. Eventually my goal is to reach a higher level, international."

Being familiar with the rules helped accelerate his transition from being a player. His biggest challenge is knowing the athletes on the floor. "Although you know the team, you trained with them before, you also have to have the eagle eye to look at everything in a way that you have to call the correct call all the time and also have a fair match at the end of the day."

Papadopoulos, who also is a play-by-play commentator for Windsor Lancers volleyball, says there are different pathways to stay in the game and is happy to see a young former player step over the line to the other side of the game.

"It's an awesome alternative and the fact that you're here helps you build your confidence and you're able to give back in a special way and I'm glad to see him do it, especially at a young age," Papadopoulos said. "I got certified in high school and it's nice to see another young up and coming referee now."