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Past success and the potential for more is proving to be a major attraction for the UBC Okanagan Heat women’s volleyball team.
Much sought-after Sara McCreary, the latest edition to the Heat team that last season garnered a bronze medal at the CIS national championship, had a myriad of post-secondary options, but has chosen to commit to the UBCO program.
Photo Credit: Lorne White/KelownaNow
Sara McCreary of Edmonton has gained national recognition <br>even before joining the UBCO women's volleyball team.
A member of the Canadian youth national team in the summer of 2015, McCreary also led her Jasper Place team to a Division 1 city championship in her Grade 11 year and repeated as an Edmonton Journal all-star in both Grade 11 and 12.
In 2014, McCreary and Team Alberta were National Team Challenge Cup champions and she was recognized as an all-star at the prestigious tournament.
While McCreary had her pick of universities and volleyball programs, she decided on UBCO after an official visit to the North Kelowna campus.
“I chose UBCO because of how awesome the team dynamic is,” she said. “Everyone is super supportive and it’s just a really enjoyable environment to be part of. On top of that, it’s a very competitive team in CIS and the coaching staff is great.
“I’m really excited to come to UBC Okanagan this fall. I’m counting down the days until I get to become a part of the Heat.”
UBCO head coach, Steve Manuel, is equally thrilled to have McCreary on board.
“We couldn’t be happier to welcome Sara to our Heat program. I’ve been watching her play for several years now and have always been impressed with her level of compete,” said Manuel.
“My feeling from watching her play was that she was a hard worker and a strong leader, along with being a great player. But it was when she came on her official visit that she made a truly huge impression with not only her on-court abilities but with her overall character. I believe that Sara is a perfect fit for what we are trying to accomplish here at UBCO.”
McCreary will have a number of first-year players helping her fit in with the Heat as she joins Brooklyn Reynolds (6-3 middle, Regina), Natalie Livingston (6-1, right side/setter, Immaculata HS), Sydney McKinlay (5-11, outside hitter, Penticton) and a university transfer, Aidan Lea (6-5 middle, Kelowna Secondary School) from the University of Colorado.
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