Young Berbician aspires to become one of Guyana’s best volleyball players

…hopes to leave a legacy of leadership, sportsmanship, and love for the sport

Seventeen-year-old Parmanand Marven Saywack of D’Edward Village, West Coast Berbice (WCB) is adamant on becoming one of the best volleyball players in Guyana, but for now he is concentrating on his studies.
The young Berbician and Guyana national player is presently a student at the Number Eight Secondary School and is preparing to write seven subjects at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC). He is a member of the Port Mourant Training Centre and plays defence for that team.
Saywack, while young in the game, has represented Guyana at the Inter-Guiana Games and also played with his Berbice teammates in the Republic Bank One Guyana Division Tournament. In the latter, he was awarded the best defender of the tournament trophy.
In an interview with Guyana Times Sport, the young volleyball player stated that despite studying for his exams, he has never missed a practice session. He is optimistic of securing Grade Ones and Twos in all his subjects after which his focus will be on furthering his studies and also advancing his career.
He fell in love with volleyball after watching a professional game and seeing how fast-paced it was, but he actually played his first game when he joined his brother and friends at one of their training sessions. Since then, they have played as a team which has led to him gradually improving his on-court skills.
“My favourite move is dumping as it is the easiest way to pass the ball to your teammates, but more importantly, you have more control over the ball,” he told this publication. His biggest influence in the sport is Tomohiro Yamamoto from Japan, and he would spend hours watching YouTube videos of the various techniques he uses and one day hopes to be just like him.
“I always love the game and if I want to be the best, I will need to discipline myself or else I am just wasting my time.” When on the court, he tries not to read too much into the game but rather play his game the way he knows to play.
Weighing barely over 100 pounds, he uses that to his advantage to glide and manoeuvre around the court.
“When I’m playing volleyball, I follow a simple nutrition routine to stay energised. I eat a balanced meal with carbs, protein, and healthy fats about two hours before games or practice. I stay hydrated with water and sometimes have a light snack like a banana during breaks. After playing, I refuel with a protein-rich snack and carbs to help my muscles recover and keep my energy up,” he added.
Apart from staying fit and lean, he also tries his utmost to remain motivated. “Staying motivated during intense volleyball training comes from keeping my goals in mind – whether it’s making the starting line-up, improving my skills, or winning the next tournament. I remind myself that every drill and every drop of sweat brings me closer to success. I focus on the progress I’ve already made, lean on the support of my teammates, and keep a positive mindset, knowing that the effort I put in now will pay off when it matters most.”
When asked about his most memorable game, he grinned and replied, “I recalled playing at the National Gymnasium against Trinidad when the lights went out and that was the end of the game… and we were on the verge of winning… I can’t forget that day, honestly.”
To him, the most challenging part of competing can vary depending on a player’s position, experience and level of competitiveness. “But generally, the biggest challenge for me includes maintaining a communication flow with teammates and to be mentally focused.” These, he noted, he will gradually master as times goes on.
“To handle pressure in high-stakes volleyball competitions, I stay focused on the present moment and trust my training. I take deep breaths to stay calm, block out distractions, and remind myself to play with confidence. I also lean on my teammates for support and keep a positive mindset, knowing that staying composed helps the whole team perform better.”
His long-term goal is to continually grow and excel both individually and as a team member, ultimately reaching the highest level of competitive volleyball possible.
“I aim to refine my skills, improve my physical and mental strength, and become a reliable and inspiring player on and off the court. I also aspire to represent my team or country in major tournaments and serve as a role model for younger athletes, promoting dedication, teamwork, and sportsmanship in the sport I love.”
Meanwhile, as a personal goal for his future, he plans on improving his technical skills, such as serving, spiking, and blocking, while also becoming a more strategic and adaptable player.
“I also aim to compete in major tournaments, and contribute significantly to my team’s success. Additionally, I hope to inspire others through my dedication, maintain a strong work ethic, and possibly pursue opportunities in coaching or mentoring younger athletes to share my passion for the sport.”
At the end of it all, Saywack wants to be remembered as a player who elevated the game through his passion, resilience, and teamwork.
“Beyond victories, I hope my dedication inspire future athletes to chase greatness, uplift others, and play from the heart. My legacy will be one of leadership, sportsmanship, and love for volleyball’s true spirit.”
He thinks if he had not chosen to pursue volleyball, he would have been playing competitive cricket or football because he plays multiple sports not only volleyball. And though he is only 17, he would speak with his peers about getting involved in the sport and how it has led to him representing Guyana in various countries.
His biggest supporters, he related, are his mother and girlfriend who ensure that he is well prepared for games by either offering moral or financial support.
When this young volleyball player is not studying or playing volleyball, he spends time with his friends who do not number too many as he feels that trust plays a major role in any friendship. On this note, his policy is “Trust no one…”
His favourite foods include French fries, dhal puri and some Kentucky Fried Chicken and the only genre of music he listens to is Dancehall.