Candy Crushers crush the competition

The new Monroe Boys & Girls Club volleyball team, the Candy Crushers, crushed the spring volleyball season this year, coming away with a championship win.

As a part of its mission to encourage kids to stay active and adopt a healthy lifestyle, the Monroe Boys & Girls Club offers a sports program to its members. Every spring and fall, the club features volleyball and flag football, with basketball offered during the winter. Summers are dedicated to sports camps, which begin in July. Camp options include soccer camp, basketball camp, volleyball camp and teen adventure camp.

The Candy Crushers were a new team this year, coached by parent Andrea Cantwell and assistant coach Laura Ullman-Onener.

"Family and friends of the Candy Crushers, Monroe Boys & Girls Club volleyball team, would like to say thank you to their coach, Andrea Cantwell. Her dedication to them and leadership in their growth as young ladies is so appreciated,GÇ¥ said the Monson family, whose daughter Jenna played on the team. "The girls knew such positive support of one another within their team, allowing them to focus on what they each can bring to the game of volleyball. They have had such fun this year!GÇ¥

Cantwell decided to coach the team after she was approached by Monroe Boys & Girls Club Athletic Director Andre Graham, who asked her if she would be interested.

"This has been such an amazing experience coaching these girls. The best part is that they did most of this themselves,GÇ¥ Cantwell said. "I couldn't have asked for a better group of girls to work with. It's still surreal, yet humbling, and I am just so proud of what they accomplished.GÇ¥

"It's an amazing feeling to be a part of this team. It's truly been an experience I will hold close to my heart forever,GÇ¥ she continued.

Andrea's daughter, Cadence, will attend sixth grade at Hidden River Middle School this fall. She will continue to play volleyball at the Boys & Girls Club over the course of the next year and, once she's in seventh grade, will consider playing on the school's team.

"I just love playing,GÇ¥ Cadence said. "It's fun when we win the games and stuff.GÇ¥

For more information on visit-á bgcsc.org/snohomish-clubs/monroe-club/monroe-sports.