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 release, we will introduce you to an Armstrong, BC native, who will bring success, size and experience to the women's volleyball team this fall.
Here's what you need to know about this recruit:
Averi Gill: Middle, 5' 11"
Hometown: Armstrong, BC
2019/20 club: Pleasant Valley Secondary and SKY Volleyball 18U
Academic Program: Business Diploma in Sports Management
Personal Accolades:
Team captain last two years at Pleasant Valley
Selected Player of the Wave at 2019 Nationals
Team Accomplishments:
Third place at 2019 Nationals
Why did you choose Olds College: "I am excited to continue my passion of volleyball with the Broncos!!! I am excited to be a part of another community while learning my way around these new opportunities!"
Head Coach Rhonda Schmuland's analysis: "We are thrilled to have Averi join our 2020-2021 roster. Her competitive nature, desire for growth, and pursuit of excellence will be a great addition to our culture. As a middle blocker, both her block and attack will add depth to our roster in that position"
To learn more about Olds College, the Olds College Broncos and the women's volleyball teams go to gobroncos.ca; like the Facebook page and follow @OldsBroncos on Twitter and Instagram.