Patricia (Trish) Somers is a lot of things for UCD – a player, a coach, our secretary, and our friend. Trish is an excellent volleyball player – she trains hard and she plays hard. As a coach Trish is so talented. She can read the game; she can assess players technique and give advice about how to improve it and most of all she reads people. Trish is an amazing mentor – she thoroughly enjoys helping players become better at volleyball. In her role as varsity coach and premier league coach alongside her numerous competitive wins Trish has also supported players to have their individual wins. Trish’s motto is “We rise by lifting others” and she lives by that standard.
Whether it is working as UCD secretary, dancing at a party, coaching at a final, playing in a fun tournament or giving 1 to 1 advice to a novice volleyballer Trish always gives 100%. Any person who knows Trish – whether in UCD or in the wider volleyball community knows that Trish is honest, hardworking, and supportive. Trish also volunteers her time for the Squads commission – we do not know where she gets her energy from. After 30 years in the game Trish still shows up and performs in every capacity. UCD are so lucky to have Trish and that is why all of at UCD wanted Trish to be recognised for the excellent contribution she gives not only UCD volleyball club but to the volleyball community in general.
Trish is still the most capped International Irish player ever. Trish has won the Premier league and Association Cup over 10 times each. Trish was also the first Irish player to run slides from the middle. Trish is not a loud person, she never shouts, this is testament to her character as she does not have to shout at people to get her point across. Trish has an outstanding memory and can remember results of matches long gone by. Trish can also read volleyball plays and break them down slowly to assist players to analyse and improve their own volleyball game. Trish is a natural leader, and she leads by setting a good example of how things should be done. Trish is fair, competitive, honest, tough, fun and above all she is truly kind. Trish is always willing to lend a hand – she thoroughly enjoys supporting players to grow both on and off the court. Not only is she a stoic player and coach but she is also an excellent friend. Trish cares about the people around her and is never too busy to talk or help if someone needs it.
