Nolan Tash steals the heart of the fans in Cordoba

CORDOBA, Mexico, November 30, 2014 - It could be any given match. But this was the last one for Nolan Tash, the captain of Trinidad and Tobago, a man who for 20 years he carried the flag of his team.

It was very emotional when the local sound announced his farewell. At the same time, the melody of “Las Golondrinas” (“The swallows”) was played at the Cordoba Arena.

The fans approached at him to take the picture, his last ones as player, but not the lasts ones as part of volleyball. “I’m Paramedic and also referee. Volleyball is not over yet. I’d like to keep on working with my national team as part of the medical staff or probably to become an international referee”, said Tash to the media.

This has been something historic because in both tournaments, male and female, there have been retirements. Just a couple of weeks ago, the Willis sisters, Verania and Angela of Costa Rica, as well as Trinidadians Kelly Anne Billingy and Jalicia Ross-Kydd said good by at the same venue.

“There are still some things to do for me. I also want to help the national teams in the developing area, by working with the young kids. I want to thank my best friend, coach and mentor, Gideon Dickson, for being here with me all this time,” Tash Added.

“For me it is a very emotional moment. I’m Gideon Dickson. He is Nolan Tash. He has been a great player. I still can’t embrace it is Nolan’s retirement, but I feel a big privilege for beign his coach,” Dickson, emphasized.

During his career, Tash was voted and distinguished as one of the best players of the Cazova (Caribbean Zone Volleyball Association of Norceca) and one of the best spikers. He leaves a great legacy for new generations of players, including Brandon Legall, who is considered one of the top prospects of Trinidadian volleyball at the time.