2011-12 GPRC Women's Volleyball

GPRC Wolves Athlete Profile of the Week
Neall Murphy	Kaitlyn Cordingley
Team: Women's Volleyball	Team: Women's Volleyball
Program: Bachelor of Arts	Program: Bachelor of Education
Home Town: Edmonton, AB	Home Town: Rycroft, AB
High School: Harry Ainlay HS	High School: Spirit River RA
Neal is a graduate of Harry Ainley High School in Edmonton Alberta, and spent last summer representing the province of Alberta at the National Team Cup Challenge where she brought home a medal. Measuring over six feet, Neal has already made an impact in the league raining bombs from the right side. Look to her to take her game to the next level for the Wolves in the second semester!	“Cordy” is in her second year with the Wolves, and after a year of being the first player off the bench is working hard at gaining a starting spot with the Wolves. This former Spirit River Raider is a solid passer with surprising power. One of the few spin servers in the league, she combines a great jump with a fluid swing to provide some big kills from the left side.

Wolves Host SAIT January 6 & 7, 2012

You can catch the action by web cast at www.sportcanada.tv.

Cranston Leads Wolves to Victory

Barb Cranston's play propelled the Wolves to a 3-2 vistory over the Grant MacEwan University Griffins in Saturday's action. The games seesawed back and forth through the match but the Wolves prevailed in the 5th game to take the match. This was a good game for the Wolves as they seem to be in better sync playing the game more to their potential. Next action for the Wolves will be against Briercrest College.

One of the hardest working Wolves, Stefanie made an impact in the ACAC in her first year, as one of the leading blockers in the league. A late season injury hampered her at her first CCAA national appearance, but a summer of recovery has seen her return to form. The Wolves will look to her continued leadership on and off the court as she wears the Captain’s stripe this season.

Wolves Lose to Grant MacEwan University

The Wolves played hard but the Griffins were just that much better winning the Friday match 3 games to 0. Scores of the games were 25-18, 25-22, and 25-22. It looked like the Wolves were going to get the third game but the Griffins prevailed. The teams go at it again Saturday.

Our thanks to the many folks who come and support the Wolves Volleyball Program. Having large crowds making noise and cheering the teams on creates a wonderful atmosphere for the players. It is noticed and appreciated. Keep it up!

Wolves Defeat Concordia giving Coach Thomson his 500th Win!

The Wolves Women's team defeated the Concordia Thunder 3 - 0 giving Coach Ron Thomson 500 wins as a GPRC Coach. This is great milestone for Ron and a tribute to his abilities as a coach. The team performed better and better as the match progressed winning by scores of 25-21, 25-14, 25-13. Tonya Dueck was named Player of the Game while Stefanie Tschechne had an outstanding game as well. It was a solid team effort for this historic game.

* Check out the News Release (In the News)on Erinn Jacula (Brady) being selected as a CCAA Female Apprentice Coach

A First Look at the 2011 - 12 GPRC Wolves Women’s Volleyball Team

The Wolves Women’s Volleyball Team of 2011-12 just might be the tallest team in Wolves history. Although the new recruits bring some height and experience, the returning veterans are expected to show the trademark “outwork the opponent” trademark play of the team.

Third year Libero, Brittany Lefebvre becomes the most seasoned veteran on the team, and her passing and defensive skills blossomed last year to the point where other ACAC teams attempted to keep the ball away from her.

Stefanie Tchechne is back from a summer of recovery following an injury she played through at the end of last season.  Her performance in the league was outstanding as a “stopper”, and coaches expect her to be a big worry for their opponents this year. Stef sets the bar for hard work and dedication.

Partnered with Stefanie at the Middle position is another relentless worker, Carson Sieben. She has a great serve and last season proved that she can step onto the court when needed to get the job done.

Tonya Dueck, also recovered from injuries last season, will likely retain her starting spot at left side. Her success as a first year starter was outstanding, and she will be expected to develop as a leader with the team. Along with the rest of the veterans, her play exemplifies the spirit of the Wolves women.

Back from her stellar finish at Nationals last season is the powerful left side Kaitlyn Cordingly. This high flyer boasts a great spin serve, solid passing and a big arm from a small body. She is expected to be a contender for a starting spot this season.

Six foot two Sarah Loedel is back for another season at the middle position. After a first year of ongoing injuries, she expects to be 100% and resume her role as a blocking machine at the net.

Fort St. John product Kaitlyn Farwell returns to Wolves at right side, and after demonstrating her power last year, she will continue to fight for that spot left open by Kacey Bowman’s graduation from the team.

Picking up the top recruit once again from Grande Prairie, the coaching staff was delighted to add Jaden Douville from the St. Joe’s Ceinahs program. Her versatility at either the setting or libero position makes her a valuable asset, and she brings experience as a Provincial Team Player. Winning a High School Provincial Championship is also an experience that can’t be taught, and the coaching staff expects great things from this Grande Prairie/ Dan Gorman product.

Once again, it is a strong recruiting class for the Wolves.  Jordan Drezet from Prince George is a second year transfer from Simon Fraser University where she was the starting setter. Her athleticism and experience will be an asset as she refines her setting skills under the tutelage of Thomson.  The daughter of volleyball coaches, she is already a student of the game.

With the loss of MVP Kacey Bowman, the coaching staff looked to U of A Pandas club team, for some depth at right side.  By adding Neall Murphy (Edmonton, AB), they may have solved the problem. Neall is a bronze medalist at the National Team Cup Challenge Tournament, Provincial Team player and top prospect.

Joining Neall is another top prospect and gold medalist at the NTCC’s, Barbara Cranston (Fort St. John) who spent the summer with Team BC. From a proven volleyball family, Barb played her club season with the Wolves and brings height and power to the left side position.

From Rycroft Alberta, once again the Wolves get Spirit River Regional Academy’s top player and high-flyer Alyssa Relland.  Alyssa is a versatile athlete with quickness and explosive power who can add some punch from the left or right side.

Another six-foot middle from Prince George, Morgan Reid (PGSS) will be working hard to get some playing time. She was a two-sport athlete at PGSS and former Team BC Volleyball middle who chose GPRC to pursue both her education and volleyball careers.

The loss of Jenny Head to Dallas Texas leaves a big hole in the coaching staff, but former GPRC Wolves and U of A player Erinn Jacula (Brady) will attempt to fill her spot. Erinn brings passion and experience as a college and CIS player to a strong group with returning coaches Erin Henning, Hugh Bartlett and Ron Thomson.

All in all, the GPRC Wolves Women’s Volleyball Team should be able to continue their quest for a second consecutive appearance at the CCAA National Championships. Depth, ample power, some solid height and mixed in with the usual defensive skills and work ethic should once again see them through, and help them make a solid run at another successful season.

For more information on Wolves Women's Volleyball contact:

Ron Thomson, Head Coach
Grande Prairie Regional College
Ph: 780-539-2901
E-mail: rthomson@gprc.ab.ca