1. What position do you play?

I am a Middle Blocker.

2. How long have you played your sport? Where did you play your high school and club sport?

I am currently in my fourth year of playing volleyball. I played my high school seasons at Cold Lake High School and have been playing with Rhinos Volleyball Club out of the Lakeland area since I have started. 

3. What are your personal goals as a player at Augustana?

My personal goals as a player at Augustana are to push my self each day on and off the court when it comes to training, to get to know my teammates and build bonds, and to continue and further grow my love for the sport. I aspire to encourage growth to those around me as well, to consistently give support in all ways that I can, and to build trust. To contribute constantly, especially with my first year approaching, with whatever is needed so I can help the team be the best it can be. To maintain leadership characteristics, convert hard moments into motivation and strive when things get put under pressure. Physically through training, my goals are to improve my quickness and obtain a faster arm swing, as well as continually improving the aspects of the game that are in my full control: serving, personal energy levels and narration of the game.

4. What academic program are you enrolled in and why?

I will be studying a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Integrative Biology. All science related subjects have always been my favourite and best, as they are my biggest interest when it comes to academics, but the one that is ahead of them all is Biology. Since I was young I have always wanted to pursue a career in the medical field. While I have some good ideas on where I would like to end up, enrolling in this program allows for me to have a little more time to be sure on what specifically I want to pursue as well as it leaves many options open for when the time comes to even further my education.

5. Why did you choose Augustana Campus and the University of Alberta?

I chose Augustana Campus because it allows me to obtain a University degree, while having the opportunity to learn in smaller class sizes. Academics has always been a top priority in my life and I knew that by furthering my academics here, a strong education could be obtained through the incredible programs, the fact that this campus is apart of the University of Alberta, and the strong support this school has to offer. Though this was before being apart of the University of Alberta, a few family members of mine, including my mom, also attended Augustana and I find that special. I love the fact that I won't be in a large city, and that every time I have visited campus the culture feels so close and genuine.

6. Who is someone that inspired you to play?

Originally, the inspiration to play volleyball came from my best friend and her family. They have shown me infinite support throughout it all and have pushed me and guided me to where I am today. The spark of my decision to play post-secondary volleyball came from the opportunity to coach/play and chat with a former Rhinos athlete, and a current Ambrose University athlete, Halle Blocha. I have always found her an incredible player and after the time I spent with her and the conversations we had, I knew I wanted that same path in my near future. Though ultimately, the person who inspires me everyday and is someone who I have looked up to my whole life is my cousin, Brayden Stewart. Though not a volleyball player, she just completed her rookie season with the University of Alberta Pandas women's hockey team. She inspires me to become an athlete like her and to push my self past limits as she does, despite playing a different sport.

7. What other hobbies do you have?

Outside of this sport I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I love a good night of card games at my grandparents and a fun adventure with close friends. I also enjoy the outdoors and doing activities like camping, hiking or spending a day out on the lake. 

8. What drives you to succeed?

My main and constant motivation is reminding myself that every opportunity given and the ability to succeed is a privilege. Every bit of success and set-back is a chance to grow. Another thing that has always driven me to succeed is to make those around me proud. To excel potential and ensure that the support I am given by those around me is something I am grateful for. To create the best version of myself as an athlete while knowing there is no ultimate end goal as a chance to improve will always be there, but in the best ways possible. In the long run, it is to never lose sight of how much and why I love the game.