Volleyball player Gabriel Chancy has also been a step ahead when it comes to the sport of volleyball, and it's something Volleyball Quebec noticed when they named him Athlete of the Year in 2010.
Chancy is still making big strides on the court.
"I am a very versatile player. I can do also almost every thing. I can set, I can hit, I can bump," he said.
Still in high school, the 16-year-old practices with the CEGEP team at College Jean-de-Brebeuf.
A natural, the teen has been around the game since before he was born – his mother played senior club volleyball until she was three months pregnant.
"When he was born, I was bringing him to the tournaments and breastfeeding him in between the matches, so he was right into it at a young age," said his mother, Isabelle Bastien.
Chancy's father, Jean-Pierre, is also a volleyball fanatic – he's one of the top coaches in Quebec.
Chancy said he learned a lot about volleyball very young.
"I learned the techniques when I was really young, so I guess I am a little bit in advance of my age," he said.
Jean-Pierre Chancy, who has coached the sport for 30 years, said he sees a lot of potential in his son's game.
"His knowledge of the game is pretty amazing for his age. We have the feeling he's almost a second coach on the floor," he said.
His excellent play has earned him a $2000 scholarship from the Quebec Foundation of Athletic Excellence.
The teen said his goals now are to play for Team Quebec for the 2013 Canada Games and play in CEGEP and university.
Of one thing he is certain: His passion for the game will keep him involved for life.
"It is the biggest part of my life now and I want it to be a long time," he said.
