The NAIT Ooks women's volleyball team is on the brink of an exhilarating 2023/24 season, and the anticipation is running high. Led by their Head Coach, Erminia Russo Thorpe, the team is poised for an exciting journey ahead, with a focus on improvement and success.
Coach Russo Thorpe expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming season as they prepare for their season opener on Friday, October 20th, when they face the Concordia Thunder at 6 p.m. on their home court. "I am excited heading into this season, with a good mixture of veteran and first-year players. I feel like we have improved in key positions, such as our left-side hitters," she stated.
The team's aspirations for the season are crystal clear – they aim to surpass their previous year's performance and strive for victory in as many matches as possible. With a blend of seasoned players and newcomers, the Ooks have the depth and talent to make significant strides.
Team dynamics within the squad are strong, with veterans taking up leadership roles and fostering a culture of accountability both on and off the court. The positive team environment is a promising sign of what lies ahead in the season.
The schedule is packed with exciting events, including the Senior Night celebration on February 2nd. The pinnacle of the season will be the ACAC Championship tournament, where the elite eight teams will compete on February 22-24 in Lethbridge, Alberta. The road to success doesn't end there, as the CCAA Nationals will be held from March 6-9, hosted by Red Deer Polytechnic. These significant events offer the Ooks a chance to prove themselves on a grand stage and showcase their talent to a broader audience.
The pre-season matches have played a crucial role in their preparations. Coach Russo Thorpe and the team engaged in scrimmages against several teams, including MacEwan, TKU, Keyano, Columbia Bible College, and Providence College from Winnipeg. These matchups provided the opportunity to experiment with various lineups, identify player strengths, and pinpoint areas that needed improvement.
With a season that promises growth, ambition, and the pursuit of victories, the NAIT Ooks women's volleyball team is set to make waves in the coming months. Catch the action in person, on ACACTV or Telus Optik channel 1998.