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2017-18 MEDIA GUIDE

WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL

ABOUT THOMPSON RIVERS UNIVERSITY WOLFPACK

INSTITUTIONLocation Kamloops, BC, CanadaWebsite www.tru.caFounded 1970Enrollment 13,433 (on campus) 25,754 (total)President Dr. Alan ShaverSchool Colours Royal Blue & SageDirector of Athletics Kenneth Olynyk kolynyk@tru.ca • 250.828.5273Athletics Website www.gowolfpack.tru.caInstagram: GoTRUWolfPackTwitter: @GoTRUWolfPackPhotographers: Andrew Snucins, Allan Douglas, Larry Read, Michelle PottleProof reader: Lenora Godbout

WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL PROGRAMNickname WolfPackMascot WolfieWolfPack Colours Black, OrangeAffiliation USportConference Canada West Home Court: Warner Rentals Champ court at the Tournament Capital CenterCapacity: 2200

TEAM CONTACTSHead Coach: Chad Grimm Years as Head Coach: 4 Years with Thompson Rivers University: 12 Office: 250.371-5735, cgrimm@tru.ca

Assistant Coach: Nathan Bennett Years as Assistant Coach: 4

Assistant Coach: Robbyn Dalin Years as Assistant Coach: 7

Assistant Coach: Behlul Yavasgel Years as Assistant Coach: 2

Sports Information Officer: Larry Read Office: 250.377.6117, Cell: 250.819.5255, lread@tru.ca

Athletic Therapist & Trainer: Kevin Brechin 250.314.5000, kbrechin@tru.ca

Athletics & Recreation Assistant Facility Coordinator: Jon Shephard 250.371.5670, jshephard@tru.ca

Athletics & Recreation Secretary: Camilla Dahl 250.828.5009, cdahl@tru.ca

2017-18 THOMPSON RIVERS UNIVERSITY WOLFPACK WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL

This will certainly be an interesting year for the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack women’s volleyball team. Head coach Chad Grimm and assistants Nathan and Robbyn Bennett along with Behlul Yavasgel have been preparing for this year.

The 2017-18 campaign will be the first year since Grimm took over the helm without Iuliia Pakhomenko. Iuliia was arguably the best player in Canadian University women’s volleyball the past three seasons has played out her athletic eligibility.

Over the course of the last year, Grimm and his assistants have been transitioning the offense to rely on a ‘team approach’ without a ‘superstar’. That approach goes into regular rotation this year.

The loss of Pakhomenko is huge but that doesn’t mean everything is lost. The WolfPack have retained a lot of key offensive weapons. Rachel Windhorst (Surrey, BC) returned to USports play last year after redshirting. The former

National First Team All-star will lead the TRU offense. She will be joined by setter Abby Spratt (Calgary, AB) and Mikayla Funk (South Surrey, BC). Both were Canada West All-Rookie selections. The versatile Kendra Finch (North Vancouver, BC) enters her third year with the ability to play multiple court positions including outside hitter.

Grimm has brought in three players who will make their presence felt in Ukranian Yevgeniya Nyukhalova (outside hitter), Ukrainian now Canadian citizen Anastasiya Muzyka (setter) and outside hitter Morgan Rigelhof (outside hitter) who was with University of Alberta-Augustana (ACAC) last year.

The other fresh face belongs to Katie Ludvig. The daughter of former NHL’er Jan Ludvig is a multi-sport athlete who will play libero and outside hitter.

Sophomores who will fight for increased playing time this year are Hali Drezet

(Prince George, BC) and Avery Pottle (middle, Uxbridge, ON).

Veterans Kaitlin Lomas (Ponoka, AB)—the team’s lone fifth year starter and Carly Gunter (Courtenay, BC), a two time U Sports Academic All Canadian will also play key roles this year. Samantha Sonnenberg (Edmonton, AB) and Sarah Loedel (Prince George, BC) are both coming off the bench to provide stability. Both Sonnenberg and Loedel will be graduating from their programs in 2017-18.

The team’s preseason included a trip to Eastern Canada for exhibition matches in Laval, Quebec and Ottawa Ontario.

CHAD GRIMM HEAD COACHChad officially became head coach of the TRU WolfPack women’s program on April 1, 2014. He was named the interim head coach in mid-January for the last four weeks of the 2013-14 Canada West regular season. At the time, he was serving as an assistant coach with the WolfPack men’s volleyball program, spending eight seasons with the program. Chad played professionally in Denmark and Belgium from 2002-2004 before coaching a top men’s team in Denmark for the 2005-06 season after a serious knee injury. He returned to play one more season in Denmark after the birth of his daughter in 2010.Chad has a Bachelor of Human Kinetics, a Bachelor of Education Degree and a Master’s Degree in Counselling. He was born in Quesnel, BC and played for the University College of the Cariboo Sun Demons for two seasons (1996-98) before completing his university eligibility with the UBC Thunderbirds. Ironically, the assistant coach on those UBC teams was current WolfPack men’s head coach Pat Hennelly. He is still listed in the Canada West record books for men’s volleyball at 14th in kills per set, 14th in career kills and 10th in kills in a single season.“Being a CIS head coach has always been a dream of mine,” he says. “The timing seems to be right with my family and schooling. My coaching style is best described as a player’s coach. I am pretty relaxed and laid back. I am competitive. as all coaches and athletes are, but I think I am more even keel than others. My background educationally and my previous career as a teacher and counselor has changed who I am and how I approach things.”He agrees being a teacher and counsellor will help with his interaction with his players. “The girls have been pretty open to addressing things. I think it is something that definitely helps. I think the players are becoming more comfortable with being open and working together on things and increasing the overall level of communication with the group.”Chad is married to Anne ,a teacher in the Kamloops School District and has two children Odin and Naya. They also have a dog named Ollie.

TRU WOLFPACK COACHING STAFF

BEHLUL YAVASGEL ASSISTANT COACHBehlul is in his second year of being an assistant coach to Coach Grimm. A native of Turkey, Behlul is one of the most ‘charismatic’ players ever to don a TRU uniform. He was a member of the men’s program from 2005-10 and went to two CIS Nationals, winning a bronze medal in 2008. He played on the Turkish National team and played in the club system in Turkey from age 10-18. Behlul graduated from TRU and works at the BC Lottery Corporation. He is married to Michelle.

ROBBYN BENNETT

ASSISTANT COACHRobbyn Bennett (nee Dalin) is into her third season with the WolfPack program. She brings over 20 years of experience in the volleyball world, both as a player and a coach. Robbyn grew up in Kamloops, playing out her four years of eligibility at Thompson Rivers University (formerly University College of the Cariboo) on the women’s varsity team. She then went on to commence her coaching career at the same institution. As assistant coach at UCC in 2005, the Sun Demon’s won the Provincial Championship in the PACWEST (BCCAA). The program then moved up to the CIS and became the presently known WolfPack where Robbyn continued to coach for two more seasons.Robbyn graduated from TRU with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and then moved to the lower mainland. She is the manager of disability services at TRU and is a registered clinical counsellor. While living on the lower mainland she was involved in coaching volleyball at Capilano University (assistant on the women’s team alongside former TRU women’s head coach Cal Wohlford), York House School Senior Girls Volleyball, Thunder Girls Volleyball, and BC Olympic on the North Shore. Robbyn enjoys yoga, running and reading. She looks at the WolfPack team for 17-18 like this, “I am excited to see what this year has in store for us. We have been on a steady trajectory of improving our record and competitiveness over the last 3 seasons. We have a great mix of returning and freshmen players who will all play a critical role in our program continuing to succeed and I look forward to the results that come from this team’s dedication and hard work.”

NATHAN BENNETT ASSISTANT COACHNathan enters his fourth season with TRU. He began his tenure with the WolfPack being both the assistant coach with the men’s and women’s programs before exclusively working with the women’s team last year. He joined TRU in May of 2014 after coaching the men’s program at Capilano University (PACWEST 2012-14). He won the league title his first season, took his team to a fifth place finish at the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association championships and was named PACWEST Coach of the Year. He is a former Canada West player with the University of Alberta. Nathan also played professionally overseas for 11 years (Denmark, Germany, Belgium, Cyprus, Finland, Switzerland and Slovenia) and was a member of the British National team from 2008-2012 (Nathan holds dual citizenship). Nathan runs the Volleyball Canada Centre of Excellence in Kamloops. Nathan ran the McDonalds/TRU WolfPack Sports Camps this summer for a second straight year. His hobbies include table tennis, golf and following his beloved Edmonton Oilers. His coaching philosophy is “To develop a culture where honest communication is strived for. Be consistent with my approach on and off the court. Have an unwavering level of commitment. Be as prepared as possible. To create a level of discipline where the players and the coaches are accountable for their actions. Respect is given and where greatness is earned,” he says. As far as how the WolfPack will look in 2017-18, “There is a lot of excitement for the 2017/2018 season. We have a solid core of athletes that have been learning what it takes to be successful in the Canada West. The second year athletes have learned a lot from last year and should be ready to contribute at a higher level. The incoming players will play pivotal roles on the team. Overall another year of experience and getting closer and closer to our ultimate goal every year should allow the group to push themselves farther than they have gone in the past. Bring it on! “.

TRU WolfPack WOMEN'S VOLLEYball Roster

Head Coach Chad GrimmAsst. Coach Nathan BennettAsst. Coach Robbyn Dalin

Athletic Therapist Kevin BrechinAthletic Director Kenneth M. OlynykAthletics Assistant Jon Shephard

Media Coordinator Larry Read

Back Row (L-R): Rob Petri (Strength coach), Chad Grimm (head coach), Avery Pottle, Samantha Sonnenberg, Kaitlin Lomas, Yevgeniya Nykukhalova, Sarah Loedel, Anastasiia Muzyka, Kendra Finch, Robbyn Bennett (assistant coach), Nathan Bennett (assistant coach), Behlul Yavasgel (assistant coach)Front Row (L-R): Rachel Windhorst, Jannet McArthur, Morgan Rigelhof, Abby Spratt, Hali Drezet, Mikayla Funk, Carly Gunter, Katie Ludvig

# NAME POS HT COURSE YR HOMETOWN LAST TEAM (HIGH SCHOOL)

1 Kaitlin Lomas M 6-2 Psychology 4 Ponoka, AB Dynamite (St.Augustine)

2 Mikayla Funk RS 5-10 General Studies 1 Surrey, BC U18 Force (Pacific Academy)

3 Abby Spratt S 5-10 Business 2 Calgary, AB 403 Selects (Centennial)

4 Kendra Finch OH 5-11 Science 3 N. Vancouver, BC BCO VC (Argyle)

5 Carly Gunter L 5-8 Business 3 Courtenay, BC Comox Valley Strickers (G.P. Vanier)

6 Hali Drezet L 5-8 Arts 1 Prince George, BC Canada Jr. National Team (Duchess Park)

7 Yevgeniya Nyukhalova OH 6-4 Business 1 Severodontsk, Ukraine Volero Zurich

8 Anastasiya Muzyka S 6-2 Business 1 Poltawa, Ukraine Azerail Baku

9 Avery Pottle M 6-0 Science 1 Uxbridge, ON DRVC (Uxbridge)

10 Rachel Windhorst OH 5-11 Geography 3 Surrey, BC SMU (Surrey Christian)

11 Sarah Loedel M 6-1 Architect Engineering 3 Prince George, BC Grande Praire RC (College Heights)

14 Samantha Sonnenberg M 6-0 Education 4 Edmonton, AB Lakeland (Spruce Grove)

15 Morgan Rigelhof OH 5-10 Science 3 St. Albert, AB Augustana (St. Albert)

16 Katie Ludvig OH 5-9 Business 1 Kamloops BC Team BC (Sa-Hali)

17 Jennet MacArthur M 5-11 Science 1 Calgary, AB 18U Storm

CANADA WEST ROOKIE ALL-STARS:(L-R) Mikayla Funk, Abby Spratt

17-18 GRADUATING PLAYERS:(L-R) Rachel Windhorst, Kaitlin Lomas, Samantha Sonnenberg

U SPORT ACADEMIC ALL CANADIANS (16-17):(L-R) Carly Gunter, Avery Pottle

UKRAINIAN PLAYERS:(L-R) Yevgeniya Nyukukhalova, Anastasiia Muzyka

TRU WolfPack WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL Roster

2017

1 KAITLIN LOMASPonoka, Alberta (St. Augustine Secondary)6’2” Middle5th year (Psychology)22 years oldParent’s names: Colleen & Randy

Kaitlin one of the team’s two fifth year players. She dressed for 20 matches last year and appeared in 68 sets notching 82 kills, 8 solo blocks, 47 block assists, 11 service aces, and 37 digs. Kaitlin is contemplating going to law school after travelling abroad next year. She was nominated for the TRU Athletics “Newcomer of the Year” award in 2013-14 and has won the “Leader of the Pack” player of the match four times in her career. If Kaitlin could play for another varsity team it would be women’s basketball because she finds the game dynamic and she played in high school. Kaitlin played competitive lacrosse from 2007-12 with Lakoka, Red Deer Chiefs and Edmonton Warriors. Her fondest sports moments were beating Trinity Western at the old TRU gym two years ago to secure a playoff spot. Kaitlin’s pre game routine includes quiet reflection, listening to ‘pump up’ music on the way to the gym and then connecting with her teammates an hour before the match. She played club volleyball with Laura MacTaggert of UBC (U18). Kaitlin’s mom and dad are devout viewers of all TRU matches. Her mom danced at the National Ballet school in Toronto. Forrest Gump is Kaitlin’s favorite movie, she likes the colour blue and enjoys reading, hiking and cooking. Her favorite band is the ‘Red Hot Chilli Peppers’ and she enjoys Indie/Alt Rock.

Coach Grimm says, “Kaitlin is heading into her fifth year. We have seen a lot of progress with her in recent years. She will have a bigger leadership role both on and off the court. We are looking for her to be a stable force for us in the middle all year.”

2 MIKAYLA FUNKSurrey, BC (Pacific Academy)5’10” Outside hitter2nd year (General Studies)19 years oldParent’s names: Annette & Tim

Mikayla was a Canada West “All Rookie” team selection in 2016-17. She dressed for 22 matches, appearing in 74 sets with 100 kills, 20 service aces, 11 assists, 126 digs and 45 block assists. Mikayla was a first team all-star at the 2015 U17 Club Nationals and was the MVP of the 2015 senior provincials. Mikayla would like to be a member of the basketball team if she couldn’t play TRU volleyball. What you might not know about her is that her entire family is in the 2008 Guinness Book of World records in for the ‘world’s largest tape ball.” She played volleyball growing up with Gabrielle Attien (UBC), Michaella Crema, Jessica Bailey and Alexis Turner (all of Trinity). If Mikayla’s biggest influence is Aaron Myette former MLB player and member of Team Canada, her personal trainer growing up and her former assistant coach). Mikayla says, “He is one of the most selfless people I know, using the talents he has and what he has acquired from them to improve the lives of others.” Mikayla enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping. Yellow is her favorite color and her favorite number is two. She loves country music and her dream job would be a paramedic and Red Cross International medic volunteer. Her words of advice to incoming players, “Don’t seclude yourself to just socializing with your own team. Get to know them all and allow yourself to get connected into the awesome community WolfPack athletics has created.”

Coach Grimm says, “Coming off a successful rookie season, I expect Mikayla is a dynamic athlete who can score a lot of points for us in different situations especially out of the back row. We are looking for Mikayla to improve for us this season.”

3 ABBY SPRATTCalgary, AB (Centennial High School)5’10” Setter2nd year (Business)18 years oldParent’s names: Sydney & Bruce

Abby was a finalist for the TRU ‘Newcomer of the Year” award last season. Her rookie campaign saw Abby take over as the starting setter and she dressed for 23 matches and played 83 sets. She had 762 assists, 125 digs, 31 service aces, two solo blocks and 28 block assists as she was named to the Canada West ‘All Rookie’ team. She was third in the Canada West last year in assists per set (9.18). Abby played club volleyball for the 403 Selects growing up. Abby was a ‘red shirt’ for the U17 Alberta provincial team. Abby played competitive badminton and basketball in grades 7-9. Her being named to the ‘all rookie team’ has been her greatest sports moment. Some of her former club volleyball teammates are playing at Simon Fraser and Le Salle in Philadelphia. Abby’s sister Rhyan is her role model because she tries her hardest at everything. Abby is an inspiration to many as she plays her sport despite having arthritis in all her joints. Her favorite colour is blue, her favorite number is five and she enjoys country music. Abby’s dream job would be to play volleyball professionally. “The Proposal” is her favorite movie with Emma Watson and Sandra Bullock being her favorite actresses. Her favorite community events are the SPCA “Paws for a Cause” and the “Toys 4 Kids” campaign. If Abby could dine with a celebrity it would be actress/singer Selina Gomez.

Coach Grimm says, “A Canada West rookie all-star last season, Abby is a great athlete. We will look for her to provide a great 1-2 punch with Anastasiya. This is a great year for us as we have two competitive setters. That will give us a lot of flexibility in our line up.”

4 KENDRA FINCHNorth Vancouver, BC (Argyle Secondary)5’11” Outside Hitter3rd year (Science)19 years oldParent’s names: Kathy & Mike

Kendra has been a valuable addition to the WolfPack since she joined the squad two years ago. Last year, she played both libero and outside as she garnered a starting role for herself. Kendra was fifth in the Canada West in digs per set (3.28). She dressed for all 24 league matches appearing in 86 sets garnering 28 kills, 25 assists, two service aces, 282 digs and three block assists. She was a finalist for the Cliff Russell Leadership Award in 2016-17. Kendra is a multi-sport athlete playing tennis, basketball, soccer, field hockey and ultimate frisbee while growing up. What most of her teammates don’t know is that Kendra used to play tennis 15 hours a week. She played club volleyball with Anna Price and Sarah Haysom of UBC. Her biggest influence is former teammate Shae Harris. Says Kendra about Shae: “She always worked harder than everyone else and her favorite quote was excuses are like losses, everyone has them except for the champions.” Kendra would like to dine with Jimmy Fallon whom she finds hilarious. Her go to song at Karaoke is “All Star” by Smashmouth. The Toys 4 Kids event is Kendra’s favorite community event. Her favorite visiting gym is UBC because it is close to her home and the WolfPack always have good matches against them.

Coach Grimm says, “Kendra is making a return to the left side this year after spending last season as a libero. Kendra is solid for us both on and off the court. She provides stability in passing and will be a good fit at the P-2 position.”

5 CARLY GUNTERCourtenay, BC (GP Vanier Secondary)5’8” Libero3rd year (Business)20 years oldParent’s names: Janice & Dennis

Carly is a two time Academic All Canadian. She returned to the lineup last year after sitting out the year previous. She dressed for 11 matches appearing in 27 sets, with 18 digs and two service aces. She is the younger sister of USports all time kills and points leader Brad (who played professionally in Estonia in 2016-17). He is her biggest influence. Carly’s pre match routine is to listen to music. “The Princess Bride” is her favorite movie with Leonardo DiCaprio being her favorite actor. She likes to bake and cook. Carly’s advice to younger players is, “Enjoy your time here because it goes by very quickly.” If she is at Karaoke, Carly is singing something by Queen. Her favorite community event is “Toys 4 Kids” because it’s amazing to see how much people donate for others. Her favorite visiting gym is UBC and making the post season in 2016-17 is her fondest moment as a member of the WolfPack.

Coach Grimm says, “Carly is heading into her fourth year with the program and will be competing as a libero and could also have a role coming off the bench as a serving sub and a defender as a back row passer. It is great to have two people who can compete.”

6 HALI DREZET (HA-LEE DRE-ZAY)

Prince George, BC (Duchess Park Secondary)5’8” Libero2nd year (Arts)18 years oldParent’s names: Kim & Dan

Hali showed her versatility in her rookie season as she moved from libero to back up setter after Christmas. She dressed for 23 matches, appearing in 60 sets with 60 assists and 41 digs. Hali played for Team BC for three years and for the national junior women’s team twice. She chose volleyball as her preferred sport because of the team atmosphere and how players come together as a team for every point. If Hali could be part of another varsity team it would be cheerleading because she got cut from her high school cheer squad. Hali played minor hockey, softball and high school basketball growing up. Her fondest sports moments were winning the Western Canada Summer Games and the NTCC championships in 2015. Her fondest sports moment came when she made the national junior team. Her sister Jordan played college volleyball at Grande Prairie Regional College (ACAC) and is her biggest influence (she is currently playing pro in Germany). Hali loves country music, with Sam Hunt being her favorite artist. Her dream job would be as a puppy trainer. “The Fault in our Stars” is her favorite movie. Hali’s favorite community event is “Paws for a Cause” because she loves dogs (hers is named Dugg). Her greatest moment as a member of the WolfPack was almost beating UBC in the Canada West quarter finals last year. If you see her at karaoke: Hali might be singing “Wannabe” by the Spice Girls.

Coach Grimm says, “ Hali is returning to the libero position after spending the second half of last year as our second setter. Hali came into camp in great shape and is looking to solidify her role as a libero moving forward.”

7 YEVGENIYA NYUKHALOVASeverodontsk, Ukraine (Volero Zurich)6’4” Outside Hitter1st year (Business)21 years oldParents’ names: Valentina & Nikolej

Yevgeniya likes to be called “Jane”. She committed to the WolfPack this summer. She has played with some of the top clubs in Europe (Volero Zurich, Le Cannet) and has participated in two world championships. Her pregame ritual is eating pasta. Jane likes to travel and spent three years attending an Arts school learning to paint. Her favorite music is Pyru BBepx (translation: hands up). Her favorite movies are “The Notebook” and “What Dreams May Come”. Her favorite actor is the late Robin Williams and her favorite actress is Rachel McAdams. If she could dine with a celebrity, Jane would like to meet Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Jane played on the Ukrainian junior national team along with former WolfPack great Iuliia Pakhomenko.

Coach Grimm says, “Jane’s first year with the program. She has mostly played right side but we are looking at putting her on the left side. She is an experienced player who can score for us. We are looking for her to take over some of the points production we lost when Iuliia (Pakhomenko) graduated.

9 AVERY POTTLEUxbridge, ON (Uxbridge Secondary School)6’0” Middle2nd year (Science)19 years oldParent’s names: Michelle & Steve

Avery dressed for 17 matches in her rookie campaign appearing in 40 sets, notching 29 kills, 14 digs, two solo blocks and 24 block assists as she played mainly middle. Her high school team won the provincial championship (2015-16), she was a U16 national all-star in grade 10 and her club team captain from U13 to U18. Avery used to swim competitively and says that would be the TRU varsity team she would vye for if she couldn’t play volleyball. She also played tennis, soccer, basketball and ran cross country growing up. Her greatest personal moment came in 2013-14 when her club team won a silver medal at nationals and she was named an all-star. She grew up playing volleyball with Emma Armstrong of the University of Toronto. Her biggest role model is her mother. Avery likes to listen to music and hike. Purple is her favorite colour. Ed Sheeran is her favorite singer and her dream job would be a doctor. Avery’s favorite community event is working with younger players because she is able to establish relationships with them and pass on what she has learned growing up. Playing her first Canada West match is her greatest moment with the WolfPack personally, while as a team, it was making the post season last year.

Coach Grimm says,“ Avery will be spending some time in the middle but she can play any of the outside positions for us. She is a flexible player who worked hard in the off season to put herself in the best position to increase her playing time.”

8 ANASTASIYA MUZYKAPoltowa,Ukraine (Azerail Boku)6’2” Setter 1st year (Business)19 years oldParent’s names: Nina & Oleg

Anastasiya played in the Azerbaijan Super League in 2015-16 where her coach was former olympian Jason Haldane (whose son Keel is a member of the WolfPack men’s program). Anastasiya was part of the Ukrainian junior national champions in 2012. She began ballroom dancing at age six but two years later switched to volleyball. Her greatest sports moment came in 2015-16 when her club won the Azerbaijan Super League title. Something her teammates don’t know about her is that she can cook amazing pancakes with mushrooms and chicken. Anastasiya likes to paint and herfavorite numbers are 8 and 14. Anastaiya’s and her favorite colour is white and her favorite singers are the Ukrainian group Ocean Elzy.

Coach Grimm says, “ Anastasiya is a tall athletic setter. Her first year in the program will see her competing with Abby Spratt for playing time. I feel comfortable with both setters and it will provide us with some flexibility in our line up.”

10 RACHEL WINDHORSTSurrey, BC (Surrey Christian School)5’11” Outside Hitter4th year (Geography)21 years oldParent’s names: Nell & Luke

Rachel started her USport career at Saint. Mary’s University in Nova Scotia where she was a member of the CIS All-Rookie team and AUS Rookie of the Year award winner in her first year. Her second year saw her become a CIS First Team All Canadian. After red shirting with the WolfPack in 2015-16, she made her debut last season and appeared in all 24 league matches. She played in 85 sets notching 217 kills, 27 service aces, 183 digs, eight assists, six solo blocks and 21 block assists. She will be graduating this spring. She played soccer, baseball, and basketball throughout high school. If Rachel is at karaoke she is likely on stage with a friend singing “Picture” by Kid Rock and Sheryl Crow. Her favorite community event was coaching in the Kamloops Volleyball Association. Her advice to younger players is, “Enjoy every moment, invest in every experience. Your time as a university athlete goes by so fast. Never take for granted the opportunity you have to be here playing for your team and TRU.” Rachel’s greatest sports moment was when her U18 club jteam won the provincials and placed third at nationals. Her fondest personal sports moment was winning AUS MVP in her second year at Saint Mary’s. “It was very rewarding to be cheered as I was called out of the crowd, so thankful for the opportunity to play volleyball at university,’ “she says. Rachel likes to hike, travel and be adventurous.

Coach Grimm says, “Rachel takes over as our ‘go to’ hitter on the outside. She provides a dynamic attack and is a solid passer. She brings the level of compete that we need to push our team further than we were last year.”

11 SARAH LOEDELLPrince George, BC (College Heights Secondary)6’1” Middle4th year (Architect Engineering)24 years oldParent’s names: Sue & Dirk

Sarah appeared on the roster but didn’t see any action last season after ‘red shirting’ the year before. She transferred to TRU from Grande Prairie Regional College (ACAC) where she helped them to two silver medal finishes (2010-11 and 2014-15). She was a member of Team BC in 2008, Zone mvp in 2009 and coached the BC Summer Games girls’ volleyball team in 2014. Sarah also coached the U-14 KVA team this past spring with WolfPack alumna Ashley Shannik. If she could compete for another WolfPack varsity team it would be cross country. “I have always been a good distance runner and I enjoy it,” she says. Sarah enjoys horseback riding. Her greatest sports moment came when her team won the zone title in grade 12. It was College Heights’ first big win in girls volleyball. Her fondest personal moment came when she returned to college volleyball after taking three years off because of health issues (colitis).”Putting the jersey on was unreal,” Sarah added. Sarah has shared her story of suffering from ulcerative colitis in order to spread awareness of the disease and to help others. Mint green is her favorite colour. She loves country and classic 80’s music with Kip Moore being her favorite artist. Sarah’s dream job would be to design and build custom designed homes. Her favorite movies are “Crazy, Stupid, Love” and “Deadpool.” The SPCA “Paws for a Cause” is her favorite community event because she loves dogs.

Coach Grimm says, “ Sarah is an experienced player who provides leadership both off and on the court for us. She will be fulfilling a spot in the middle blocker position and we are looking for her to increase her responsibility in that position.”

15 MORGAN RIGELHOF (RIG-EL-HOFF)

St. Albert, AB (St. Albert Catholic High)5’10” Outside Hitter3rd year (Science)19 years oldParents’ names: Sylvia & Richard

Morgan joins the WolfPack after attending the University of Alberta/Augustana in Camrose, AB where the last two years she was captain and co-captain. She was the 2015-16 ACAC rookie of the year. Her rookie season (2015-16), she appeared in 85 sets, with 180 kills, 27 aces, 212 digs and 12 blocks. She sat out last year with an injury. Morgan is a multi-sport athlete involved in ringette (2015), hockey (junior high) and lacrosse for 3 years (grades 7-9). Morgan grew up spending summers at the Shuswap. She likes skiing and surfing. Morgan didn’t start playing volleyball until she was in grade 10. Her greatest sports moment was winning the ACAC rookie of the year. Her fondest sports moment came in high school when her team won the zone final 16-14 in the fifth set after being down 13-6. She played club volleyball with a number of current members of the Alberta Pandas and McKenna Stevenson of MacEwan. Her father played in the CFL for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and NCAA Div I football at North Dakota. Her favorite numbers are 9 and 4 and her favorite colours are blue and green. Jack Johnson is Morgan’s favorite singer and her dream job would be as a vet working at a clinic on a beach. “Chasing Mavericks and Madagascar” are her favorite movies with Reese Witherspoon is her favorite actress.

Coach Grimm says,“Morgan has been a great addition to the team. She is very positive both on and off the court. She is willing to do anything to help the team succeed. She will be competing for some time as an outside hitter.”

14 SAMANTHA SONNENBERGEdmonton, AB (Spruce Grove Composite)6’0” Middle 5th year (Education)21 years oldParent’s names: Audrey & Randall

Samantha sat out last season but was a roster player. She started in one match and played two sets in her rookie year (2015-16) with the WolfPack after transferring from Lakeland College (Alberta College Athletics Conference). She had one kill and two service aces. Her brother Grant plays with the UBCO Heat. If she were a superhero, Samantha would be “Sonnybear” and be a carebear. She likes country music and Keith Urban is her favorite singer. Finding Nemo is her favorite movie, with Robert Downey Jr. and Jennifer Lawrence being her favorite actor and actress. If you find Samantha at a karaoke she would likely be singing the Katrina and the Waves hit Walking on Sunshine. What you don’t know about her is that her family all speak German and that she enjoys arts and crafts. If she could play for another varsity team it would be basketball. Samantha’s favorite number is three and she likes to camp and ski. Her favorite colour is blue. Samantha’s role model is her mother who played at the University of Alberta and got her involved in the sport. Her pregame routine includes a nap. Her fondest sports moment was seeing her best friend make the Lakeland College team with her. The SPCA “Paws for a Cause” is Samantha’s favorite community event because she is a ‘dog’ girl. The University of Alberta is her favorite visiting venue because she played there as a youth. Her greatest sports moment was winning the 2011 Western Elites as a part of Team Alberta.

Coach Grimm says, “Samantha came back this year as her knee seems tobe in a better spot. She will be looking to compete as a middle blocker, getting some time after a pretty good performance in our preseason series in Eastern Canada.”

17 JENNET MACARTHUR (JEN-NET)

Calgary, AB (Ernest Manning High)5’11” Middle1st year (Science)18 years oldParent’s names: Suzanne & Grant

Jennet joined the WolfPack as a walk on this fall. She played for the Southern Alberta volleyball club. She swam for 10 years so if she were to be a part of another TRU varsity team it would be swimming. Her mother was ranked nationally in squash for a number of years. Her sister Sarah is a former varsity cross country athlete at the University of Calgary. Her favorite movies are The Lion King and the Harry Potter series, with Emma Watson being her favorite actress. If you saw her at karaoke, Jennet would either be singing “Summer of 69” or “Don’t Stop Believin”. Jennet loves country music. Her favorite number is seven and blue is her favorite colour.

Coach Grimm says, “Jannet was a walk on player and has never played in the middle spot but that is where we needed some depth. She has been training there. She has been excellent as far as contributing to anything she can to the team on and off the court. I am looking forward to seeing her continue to grow as a player and fill out those roles for the team.”

16 KATIE LUDVIGKamloops, BC (Sa-Hali Secondary)5’9’ Outside Hitter1st year 18 years oldParent’s names: Charell & Jan

Katie committed to the WolfPack in October, 2016. She played club volleyball for the Thompson Valley Sharks under former UCC women’s assistant coach Wai Ma. If Katie could play for another TRU varsity team it would be either the soccer or the swim team because she would be able to swim to be in the pool all day or play soccer for her cardio. Katie’s father Jan is a former NHL player (New Jersey Devils) and is a scout for the team. Her half-brother Mick played a season for the TRU hockey team. Rhianna is her favorite singer and she enjoys hip hop and rap music. Katie would sing “Kiss me through the phone” if she were out at karaoke. Katie is an accomplished tennis player and was provincially and nationally ranked from age 5-15. Her greatest moment was winning the 2016 BC “AA” high school girls championship with her Sa-hali team. Her father is her greatest influence for his hard work and passing on important lessons. Her hobbies include walking her dog, tanning, walking and collecting plants.

Coach Grimm says, “ Katie can fulfill a few roles for us. She will potentially be a libero down the road but this year she is spending some time at left side. She proved in Laval that she can come in and play and be a solid contributor to the program. I am looking forward to her finding her way as a first year player.”

TRU WolfPack WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL

FORMALS

Katie Ludvig Carly Gunter Abby Spratt

Yevgeniya Nyukukhalova Sarah Loedel Samantha Sonnenberg

TRU WolfPack WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL

Hali Drezet Rachel Windhorst Morgan Rigelhof

Jennet MacArthur Mikayla Funk Kendra Finch

Avery Pottle Kaitlin Lomas Anastasiia Muzyka

Recap of 2016 WOMen's VOLLEYball Season

DATE AWAY HOME STATUS

OCTOBER

Fri. 28 Alberta 3 Thompson Rivers 2 5:00 PM PDT

NOVEMBER

Fri. 4 Thompson Rivers 3 Brandon 2 6:00 PM CDT

Sat. 5 Thompson Rivers 3 Brandon 0 5:00 PM CDT

Fri. 11 Mount Royal 3 Thompson Rivers 1 6:00 PM PST

Sat. 12 Mount Royal 2 Thompson Rivers 3 5:00 PM PST

Fri. 18 UBC 0 Thompson Rivers 3 6:00 PM PST

Sat. 19 UBC 3 Thompson Rivers 0 5:00 PM PST

Fri. 25 Thompson Rivers 3 MacEwan 0 6:00 PM MST

Sat. 26 Thompson Rivers 1 MacEwan 3 5:00 PM MST

JANUARY

Thu. 5 Thompson Rivers 3 Calgary 1 6:00 PM MST

Fri. 6 Thompson Rivers 1 Calgary 3 6:00 PM MST

Fri. 13 Thompson Rivers 0 Trinity Western 3 5:00 PM PST

Sat. 14   Thompson Rivers 0 Trinity Western 3 5:00 PM PST

Fri. 27 Regina 0 Thompson Rivers 3 6:00 PM PST

Sat. 28 Regina 0 Thompson Rivers 3 5:00 PM PST

FEBRUARY

Fri. 3 Thompson Rivers 3 Manitoba 1 7:30 PM CST

Sat. 4 Thompson Rivers 3 Manitoba 1 4:30 PM CST

Fri. 10 Winnipeg 0 Thompson Rivers 3 5:00 PM PST

Sat. 11 Winnipeg 0 Thompson Rivers 3 5:00 PM PST

Thu. 16 UBC Okanagan 3 Thompson Rivers 1 6:00 PM PST

Sat. 18 Thompson Rivers 3 UBC Okanagan 1 5:00 PM PST

Fri. 24 Thompson Rivers 1 Saskatchewan 3 1:30 PM CST

Sat. 25 Thompson Rivers 0 Saskatchewan 3 6:30 PM CST

2016 PLAYER STATSNO. NAME POS M S K K/S E TA PCT A A/S SA SA/S DIGS D/S BS BA TOT B/S PTS PTS/S

1 Kaitlin Lomas MH 20 68 82 1.21 29 202 .262 10 0.15 11 0.16 37 0.54 8 47 55 0.81 124.5 1.8

2 Julia Niemczewska MH 24 60 9 0.15 7 32 .063 2 0.03 10 0.17 17 0.28 0 5 5 0.08 21.5 0.4

3 Savannah Guttman S 4 6 0 0.00 1 3 -.333 18 3.00 0 0.00 6 1.00 0 0 0 0.00 0.0 0.0

4 Abby Spratt S 23 83 9 0.11 7 42 .048 762 9.18 31 0.37 125 1.51 2 28 30 0.36 56.0 0.7

5 Kendra Finch OH 24 86 28 0.33 10 101 .178 25 0.29 2 0.02 282 3.28 0 3 3 0.03 31.5 0.4

6 Morgan Kolasa MH 24 85 124 1.46 49 318 .236 17 0.20 29 0.34 70 0.82 10 61 71 0.84 193.5 2.3

7 Alina Sopizhuk OH 7 16 13 0.81 10 51 .059 0 0.00 0 0.00 9 0.56 0 0 0 0.00 13.0 0.8

8 Mikayla Funk RS 22 74 100 1.35 47 304 .174 11 0.15 20 0.27 126 1.70 1 45 46 0.62 143.5 1.9

9 Avery Pottle MH 17 40 29 0.73 16 78 .167 2 0.05 3 0.08 14 0.35 2 24 26 0.65 46.0 1.2

10 Rachel Windhorst OH 24 85 217 2.55 100 646 .181 8 0.09 27 0.32 183 2.15 6 21 27 0.32 260.5 3.1

11 Sarah Loedel MH - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

12 Iuliia Pakhomenko OH 23 82 381 4.65 137 869 .281 12 0.15 40 0.49 186 2.27 5 33 38 0.46 442.5 5.4

13 Sarah Dobinson OH 4 6 1 0.17 3 9 -.222 1 0.17 0 0.00 2 0.33 0 2 2 0.33 2.0 0.3

14 Carly Gunter LB 11 27 0 0.00 0 1 .000 2 0.07 2 0.07 18 0.67 0 0 0 0.00 2.0 0.1

15 Samantha Horth OH - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

16 Hali Drezet LB 23 60 1 0.02 0 6 .167 60 1.00 5 0.08 41 0.68 0 3 3 0.05 7.5 0.1

17 Samantha Sonnenberg MH - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

  Totals  24 87 994 11.43 416 2662 .217 930 10.69 180 2.07 1116 12.83 34 272 170 1.95 1344.0 15.4

  Opponent  24 87 931 10.70 475 2706 .169 859 9.87 183 2.10 1118 12.85 39 240 159 1.83 1273.0 14.6

Matches 24

Kills per set 11.43

Hitting % .217

Assists per set 10.69

Blocks per set 1.95

Service Aces per se 2.07

Digs per set 12.83

TOTAL TEAM STATS 2016-17 CW WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL STANDINGS

NOTES: Top seven teams qualify for playoffs. X - Clinched playoff spot

G W-L-T SW SL Streak Points

Alberta Y 24 22-2 69 14 Won 2 44

Trinity Western X 24 21-3 68 15 Won 6 42

UBC X 24 20-4 63 23 Won 6 40

Calgary X 24 18-6 58 33 Lost 2 36

UBC Okanagan X 24 15-9 53 36 Won 2 30

Thompson Rivers X 24 13-11 46 41 Lost 2 26

Mount Royal X 24 12-12 46 46 Won 5 24

Saskatchewan 24 8-16 37 52 Won 2 16

Brandon 24 8-16 35 55 Lost 3 16

MacEwan 24 8-16 32 57 Lost 2 16

Manitoba 24 6-18 34 60 Lost 12 12

Regina 24 3-21 12 67 Lost 8 6

Winnipeg 24 2-22 16 70 Lost 7 4

THANK YOU TO OUR

SPONSORS

2017 WOMen's VOLLEYball Schedule & Results

* denotes exhibition game **denotes non conference matchAll soccer, basketball and volleyball regular season and playoff games will be webcast live on Canada West TV-Pay Per View.

DATE TEAM LOCATION CITY TIME SCORE

* 24-Sep-17 Ottawa GeeGees Ottawa, ON 4:00 pm W 5-0 (25-15,25-21,26-24,25-18,15-10)

* 17-Sep-16 MontrealCaribins Montreal, QC 4:00 pm L 2-3 (28-26,25-12,20-25,25-27,16-14)

* 23-Sep-16 UofLaval Rouge et Or Laval, QC 4:00 pm L 2-3 (24-26,15-25,25-21,25-16,19-17)

30-Sep-17 UofLaval Rouge et Or Laval, QC 4:00 pm L 2-3 (22-25,27-25,25-13,23-25,15-8)

* 12-Oct-17 Alberta Pandas Langley Events Centre Langley, BC 6:00 pm L 1-3 (25-16,26-28,25-19,25-23)

* 13-Oct-17 UofC Dinos War Memorial Vancouver, BC 7:00 pm L 0-3 (25-20,25-19,28-26)

* 14-Oct-17 Mount Royal Cougars War Memorial Vancouver, BC 2:00 pm

20-Oct-17 MacEwan Griffins TCC Kamloops, BC 6:00 pm

21-Oct-17 MacEwan Griffins TCC Kamloops, BC 5:00 pm

3-Nov-17 BU Bobcats TCC Kamloops, BC 6:00 pm

4-Nov-17 BU Bobcats TCC Kamloops, BC 5:00 pm

9-Nov-17 UBC Thunderbirds Vancouver, BC 6:00 pm

10-Nov-17 UBC Thunderbirds Vancouver, BC 6:00 pm

17-Nov-17 UofW Wesmen Winnipeg, MB 5:00 pm

18-Nov-17 UofW wesmen Winnipeg, MB 5:00 pm

24-Nov-17 UofM Bisons TCC Kamloops, BC 6:00 pm

25-Nov-17 UofM Bisons TCC Kamloops, BC 5:00 pm

2-Dec-17 UofA Pandas Edmonton, AB 6:00 pm

3-Dec-17 UofA Pandas Edmonton, AB 6:00 pm

5-Jan-18 Mount Royal Cougars Calgary, BC 6:00 pm

6-Jan-18 Mount Royal Cougars Calgary, BC 4:30 pm

12-Jan-18 UofR Cougars Regina, SK 6:00 pm

13-Jan-18 UofR Cougars Regina, SK 7:00 pm

19-Jan-18 UofS Huskies TCC Kamloops, BC 6:00 pm

20-Jan-18 UofS Huskies TCC Kamloops, BC 5:00 pm

26-Jan-18 UofC Dinos TCC Kamloops, BC 6:00 pm

27-Jan-18 UofC Dinos TCC Kelowna, BC 5:00 pm

8-Feb-18 UBCO Heat Kamloops, BC 6:00 pm

10-Feb-18 UBCO Heat TCC Kamloops, BC 5:00 pm

16-Feb-18 TWU Spartans TCC Kamloops, BC 6:00 pm

17-Feb-18 TWU Spartans TCC Kamloops, BC 5:00 pm

23-Feb-18 CW Quarters TBA, 4:00 pm

1-Mar-18 CW Semi TBA, 4:00 pm

8-Mar-18 CW Final TBA, 4:00 pm

15-Mar-18 Usport Nationals Laval, QC 4:00 pm

HonourIng Iuliia Pakhomenko

Former WolfPack great Iuliia Pakhomenko receives her second straight TRU Board of Governors Award in June. She was awarded the honor in recognition of excellence in representing Thompson Rivers University. Her honors included being a USport All Canadian and Female Athlete of the Year for 2016 by the Kamloops Sports Council.

TRU WOLFPACK IN ACTION

The WolfPack women’s volleyball team is involved in a number of community activities including SPCA Paws for a Cause, Toys 4 Kids and McHappy Day

TRU WOLFPACK IN THE COMMUNITY

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