By Jadon Frank
The Olds College Broncos women's volleyball head coach Rhonda Schmuland has been busy over the winter months with recruitment as the program has seen several student-athletes graduate from Olds College, including leadership members Natalya Hauser, Shayla Derko and Delaney Pysar and starters Kayley Lloyd and Janeen Pellatt. Schmuland has been working hard in her first season as head coach to sign key players for this upcoming season to join the strong core of returning student-athletes.
"We are thrilled to be returning a solid core of athletes for our 2020-2021 Season," Schmuland explained. "After a strong rebuilding year in the 2019-2020 season we are very excited to continue our growth into next year. We are well balanced in our returners with Avery Gammel and Donera Resch working together with our new recruit Lexi to lead our offense from the setting position. Francesca Sandini will continue to quarterback our defense, meanwhile, Tabitha Martin, Maya Jovic, Samantha Laboucan and Georgia Loucks will provide stability in our well balanced attack from the outside with Searra Schoepfner and Sarah Wardrop rounding out our offense in the middle. This core of returning athletes will bring with them the culture we have established over this past season while pulling through the legacy of our graduating student-athletes into the present. We are anticipating a fantastic season with continued growth and success!"
In this, the first release, we will introduce you to a multi-sport student-athlete, who will bring leadership, success and experience to the women's volleyball team this fall.
Here's what you need to know about this recruit:
Lexi Lafreniere: Setter/Rightside, 5' 7"
Hometown: Calgary, AB
2019/20 club: James Fowler High School and Canuck Stuff Volleyball Club
Academic Program: Veterinary Medical Receptionist/Animal Health Technologist
Personal Accolades:
Athlete of the Year five years in a row at JFHS
Team captain at last two years at JFHS
MVP of JFHS volleyball team 2018-19
MVP of JFHS swimming team in 2017-18 and 2018-19
Team Accomplishments: 
High School City Division Champions in Grades 10 and 12.
In six year JFHS swimming career placed first or second at provincials four times in the team relay
Why did you choose Olds College: "I'm excited to start a new journey and chapter in my life with the Broncos family. I can't wait to grow as an individual and develop new relationships, but most of all I'm excited to make ever lasting memories!"
Head Coach Rhonda Schmuland's analysis: "We are very excited to have Lexi join our 2020-2021 roster. Her versatility as a setter and a rightside will be a great asset for us as it will add depth to both our setting and attacking options. Lexi will be a great addition to our culture as she is a hard working athlete who is determined to improve each time she steps foot on the court."
To learn more about Olds College, the Olds College Broncos and the women's volleyball team go to gobroncos.ca; like the Facebook page and follow @OldsBroncos on Twitter and Instagram.