Cory Lahey, A Chatham-Kent Athlete Who Came baCK
Chatham-Kent sends athletes across Ontario, Canada, and the globe each year to compete athletically. Sponsored by baCK to Chatham-Kent, we’ll be featuring local athletes who have left Chatham-Kent, and are now baCK, living, working, and staying connected to our own vibrant sports community in CK.
This week, we feature Chatham’s Cory Lahey.
A former college volleyball player at Durham and Niagara College’s, as well as a member of Team Ontario’s volleyball club, Lahey now lives in Mitchell’s Bay with his family, coaches beach volleyball and with the Chatham Ballhawks, and works in Chatham-Kent.
Here are Cory’s responses to our baCK to Chatham-Kent athletes interview:
1. Where did you grow up?
Chatham born and raised!
2. What is your favourite Chatham-Kent pastime?
In my youthful days I would spend time with friends playing any sport we could in Kingston Park or other close by venues. The Wild Zone was definitely a favourite hang out as well.
Now family and friends can find us on a beach court or out paddle boarding and kayaking in Mitchell’s Bay.
3. What did you do after high school?
I attended Durham College where I studied Sports Administration and played volleyball for the Lords!
I also completed a post grad certificate program at Niagara College where I also played volleyball. I was also playing extensively on the beach for many years.
4. What are you doing now?
I work for a fantastic small business in Chatham called LSI Supply. I also give back to the sport I’m so passionate about and coach volleyball year round.
5. What has made you happiest, or been the best surprise about moving baCK to Chatham-Kent?
I really feel like I never left! I was only gone for a few years and during that time travelled back often. I am always pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoy the area! I think growing up here many people have aspirations to get out of Chatham-Kent and can’t wait to do so. I know so many that thought that way but have returned because it is truly a great community with lots to offer.
6. What would you tell someone who is considering living in Chatham-Kent?
I would tell them they wouldn’t be making a bad choice. We have such a great community. Not just the city of Chatham but also our neighbouring cities that make up all of Chatham-Kent! Whatever we don’t have, it is a relatively short drive to surrounding big cities. I also feel our communities are a very safe place to live and raise families.
7. Why did you choose to move baCK to Chatham-Kent?
After graduating I found work here and it was where I was comfortable and had family and friends here.
8. Describe your current sports involvement?
Currently I spend 5 days a week coaching the beach discipline on our home court. This is a family affair as both of my daughters play and train and my wife helps a great deal as well. We all love the game and have some battles in the sand just the four of us sometimes too.
When the warm weather turns on us we head indoors and continue to work with the Chatham Ballhawks program! My wife and I are so fortunate to have the privilege to coach the most wonderful bunch of players any coaching staff could ask for. We train usually three times a week and play as many tournaments we can. When not coaching or playing volleyball, I enjoy watching both beach and indoor volleyball. Shocker, I know!! Baseball and Football are other sports I watch a lot in spare time. Love the teams in Cleveland.