Broncos Sports Information
Oct. 12, 2023
For the Olds College Broncos women's volleyball team, the 2023-24 ACAC season represents an opportunity to take a step forward in their development.
The Broncos serve up the start of their season on the road on Friday at 6 p.m. against the Red Deer Polytechnic Queens, who will host the 2024 CCAA Women's Volleyball National Championship. From there, the Broncos will return to the Ralph Klein Centre for a home-opening doubleheader with the Briercrest College Clippers on Friday, October 20 at 6 p.m., then again on Saturday, October 21 at 1 p.m.
In putting together this season's roster, second-year head coach Sammy Fraser put an emphasis on building belief within a competitive training environment, as well as the pursuit of a winning catalyst for the team's culture.
"We had some good pieces in the 22/23 season, but were missing that push and drive to take the program to the next level," Fraser said. "We spent a lot of time revamping our strength and conditioning program and our recruiting focus shifted towards finding athletes who had experience being a part of winning programs. Winning is a skill that needs to be learned like anything else so we were looking to bring in some athletes who could help be a catalyst for that culture."
Third-year team captain Lexi Lafreniere (Calgary, Alta.) has noticed the shift in training and preparation dynamics, as well as showing a renewed commitment to the process of taking steps forward.
"Everyone shows up with purpose, and there is passion and pride with every detail," Lafreniere said. "We know nothing will come easy and we have demonstrated in preseason that we will be relentless and do what it takes. I'm excited to see and be a part of this team that, I believe, has what it takes to make a lasting legacy."
Along with Lafreniere, the Broncos have a number of returning pieces in fellow third-year outsides Sarah Merkosky (Chestermere, Alta.) and Sydney Joyce (Dodsland, Sask.). along with third-year middle Kendall Pavicic (Calgary, Alta.); four additional returnees bringing continuity to the lineup.
Libero Dani Bryant (Lethbridge, Alta.) comes to the Broncos after playing three seasons with the PACWEST's College of the Rockies Avalanche to pair with second-year Bronco Kalyna Bahler (Battleford, Sask.) in a two-libero system. Meanwhile, the rookie trio of middle Kristen Pauls, outside Kate Scott (Calgary, Alta.) and setter Isabel Crashley (Calgary, Alta.) come to the Broncos from Bowness High School, where they registered a top-three finish in last year's 4A Calgary city championship.
All three are in position to make an immediate impact on the court, which aligns with Fraser's goal of adding athletes who can push the limits in training while bringing a different level of compete to the program.
Fraser has been encouraged with how her players have bought in since training camp began nearly two months ago, all while nearly quadrupling their preseason schedule from four matches in 2022-23 to 15 this season.
"Every single athlete on our roster has been committed since day 1," she said. "It has been an absolute grind, but they are trusting the process even when we aren't getting the result we want right now, but I think we are on the cusp of something really special this season."
Lafreniere believes maintaining consistency and a strong connection will be the biggest indicators of progress over the course of the season.
"We must earn and work hard for each point and for each opportunity that we are given," she said. "WIth each game, this team will grow stronger and will continue to prove that we are not to be doubted. It will be a grind nonetheless, but if we stay committed to the plan, the outcome will align."
Fraser believes the Broncos will be a scrappy side to contend with this season.
"This group has a lot of heart, and I think the fans will enjoy being along for the ride this season," she said.
The 2024 ACAC Women's Volleyball Championship will be hosted by the Lethbridge College Kodiaks from Feb. 22-24, 2024, with an additional ACAC team joining the Queens on the national stage in Red Deer from Mar. 6-9, 2024.
Follow the Broncos across social media @OldsBroncos, and connect with Broncos Women's Volleyball on Instagram @broncos_wvb.
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