Truth and Reconciliation: Volleyball Aboriginal Apprentice Coach Matt Somerville’s Inspiring Impact

CAO’s Empowering Stories from Behind the Bench article series – September 30, 2024

“What I have accomplished, as an Indigenous kid from a Reserve, is quite remarkable.”

By David Grossman

Once as a very shy and introverted young kid, he showed zero confidence in himself and was not one for embracing anything positive about his school days.

That’s how Matt Somerville described himself as a youngster.

But in grade 8, and that was years ago, Somerville distinctly remembers taking advantage of an invite – or make that an opportunity. To be more precise, it was something he agreed to try. It would also go on to change his life.

Somerville recalls an educational assistant, who was also an after-school volleyball coach, having coaxed him to come out to the gym after classes. Barbara Brant, apparently, saw something promising. It was a day that will live with him forever.

It was also one that set off a spark in Somerville and it would lead to a remarkable story.

Growing up as a member of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte First Nation and located on the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory near Belleville, Somerville wasn’t sure about his future.

At times, he felt sheltered and isolated. As he put it, “not able to take advantage of so much stuff seen on television”. He also wasn’t sure of his future. Yes, there was so much more. But a turn for the better was around the corner. It took effect after that initial volleyball experience.

Incredible achievements would follow. It wasn’t easy, but Somerville was seeking a taste for success and an urge to build on enjoyment and tackle challenges.

Somerville would work hard at it, too. So much so, that after graduating from grade school, he would go on to become the first member of his family to earn a College Diploma. A never give-up attitude had consumed him.

The playing led to one coaching experience after another – and the story continues.

“It all started with volleyball back in grade 8 – and (I) will never forget it,” he said. “I went on to study computer networking at St. Lawrence College – but they didn’t have a volleyball team. I enjoyed the computer studies and thought I’d be wealthy one day because of everything I saw, and read, happening in the world of computers.

“Didn’t get to be that millionaire, but what I have accomplished, as an Indigenous kid from a Reserve, is quite remarkable.”

Somerville points to that former school coach.

“She’s the reason I am what I am, I was able to do what I am doing – the push that I needed that led to confidence,” he said. “When I look back, I’m a new person now. Enjoying everything I do, the family I have, the people I am with, and how I am now helping young people learn, improve and strive for the best.”

Lifelong goals had changed for Somerville. This time, to growth and accomplishments. Determination and assurance emerged. Same for motivation – lots of it. He took a moment in time to grab some personal space and has never looked back.

For Somerville, the time was more than an opportunity to learn and embrace. There were huge emotional, mental and physical changes that all benefitted him. It all happened through a sport that he had known very little about in elementary school.

On September 30, Truth and Reconciliation Day – and colloquially known as Orange Shirt Day – the legacy of the Canadian Indian residential school system will be recognized. It’s also a statutory holiday for Government of Canada workers and those in federally regulated workplaces.

The Coaches Association of Ontario is thrilled to shine the spotlight on Somerville for his monumental contribution to the Indigenous community.

While you won’t find Somerville’s name enshrined in any major historical books of athleticism, people are becoming very much aware of his volleyball coaching talent.

In 2011, Somerville was an assistant men’s volleyball coach at Royal Military College in Kingston. A few years later, he was appointed coach at Loyalist College in Belleville. In 2023, he was the head coach of the under-19 Ontario men’s team at the North American Indigenous Games.

Earlier this year, July to be exact, Somerville was a Team Canada assistant coach for the inaugural under-20 Aboriginal Sports Circle’s All Nations Invitational.

“I didn’t know anything about coaching until I was 25 years old,” he said. “I accepted a job, as an assistant coach, with the largest volleyball club in the community – the Pegasus Volleyball Club. I was learning every day. Then, I started my own club offering high performance training.”

Somerville would later move to a military sports coordinator function at the Canadian Forces base. In 2019, a merger took place in the Kingston volleyball community and, for the past five years, Somerville has shared the co-president job of the Kingston Rock Volleyball Club with former Ontario university award winning coach, Brenda Willis.

What is evident, is Somerville’s dedication, knowledge, and expertise, for the sport. Toss in another word. It’s passion – and lots of it. He’s a busy guy, with incredible achievements, and the honors continue. Somerville will be Ontario’s Aboriginal Apprentice coach for the 2025 Canada Summer Games in St. John’s, Nfld.

“This is huge,” he said, when asked about the announcement. “As an Indigenous person, we tend not to put ourselves in the spotlight because of the past when it wasn’t cool to be Indigenous. Things have changed, we, too, can do a lot of amazing things.”

Somerville, with credentials from the National Coaching Certification Program, describes himself as “a dynamic sports enthusiast with a winning mindset and a passion for athlete development”.

“As a kid with no confidence, it can rattle you – and it did,” he recalled. “You look at what people would find was wrong with you. No more. I have knowledge, credentials and respect for what I have accomplished.

“It’s not easy to coach as people need to focus on different things. Everyone is different and, as a coach, you need to understand and devote special attention to what each athlete needs. My coaching style is team driven, but I care about every athlete – and they know it.”

Fast forward, from those younger years to now. So, how does it feel?

“If I knew back then, what I have gone on to accomplish, I wouldn’t have believed it,” he said. “I’ve travelled the country as a coach, represented the Indigenous community at major events. I really don’t see myself as anyone special. Just a guy who loves coaching, loves volleyball and loves watching people staying healthy and playing sports.”

Catching up with Brant, she had this to say about her former student.

“I am not surprised at his success, I knew he had it,” said Brant, who launched his success back at the Quinte Mohawk School. “Self-esteem is important. All I did was show him something. He had the potential. I taught the skill – and he did the rest.”

Brant was taken back when Somerville contacted her recently.

“It’s a powerful thing that he took something offered to him and made good use of it,” she said. “What is also beautiful is that he reached back, it’s been some 20 years, to think of me, remind me and share his success.”

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David Grossman is a veteran multi award-winning Journalist and Broadcaster with some of Canada’s major media, including the Toronto Star and SPORTSNET 590 THE FAN, and a Public Relations professional for 45+ years in Canadian sports and Government relations.

*Photos courtesy of Justin James, Team Ontario

“I am now helping
young people learn, improve and strive for the best.”