Women’s volleyball team set to bump crowds and student interest
Raquel Payne, CONTRIBUTOR
Sydney Curell, the Rebels’ new setter practices her back sets during Tuesday’s practice in the North Gym at the Notre Dame Campus. THE PROJECTOR/ Raquel Payne
Red River College’s women’s volleyball team is gearing up for a season they hope will take them to the playoffs. The team fell short of the postseason last year, but they hope this year will be different.
Head coach Dan McGregor thinks the team will be more consistent with the addition of some strong new players.
Red River’s coach Dan McGregor gives the woman’s volleyball team a quick lesson between drills at their practice in the North Gym during Tuesday evening’s practice at the Notre Dame Campus. THE PROJECTOR/ Raquel Payne
McGregor brought in a new setter in Sydney Curell, who has a national silver medal to her name. Curell brings a positive attitude and tremendous effort to both games and practices, while exhibiting strong defensive skills, McGregor said. She was the Rebels’ starting setter at an exhibition tournament at Providence College over the weekend of Sept. 30.
“This year the team is looking pretty awesome,” said Savannah Baird, a second year student at RRC who has returned for a second season as a Rebel.
McGregor also wants to increase the interest in the college’s team. During his third year as head coach, he hopes to draw in bigger crowds.
In the past three years, McGregor has seen more players return after their first season as a Rebel. This is something he hopes to continue building over the next few years.
“[We are] trying to get a little consistency,” McGregor said. Since RRC programs usually run for two or three years and start at different times in the year, coaches don’t always work with a steady roster.
The women’s team currently consists of nine players, although McGregor said the door is always open for students who may be interested in joining throughout the year.
Due to the size of the team, McGregor’s strategy going into this season is to focus on fundamental skills, such as serving and defence. These techniques
will help when facing strong offensive teams with big hitters. Having a smaller roster allows for more playing time for each player, giving them the chance
to practice and improve their skills, he said.
The team’s first home game is on Oct. 19 against Providence University Col- lege in the north gym at the Notre Dame Campus. Both the coaches and players hope to see the bleachers full.
Those interested in becoming a part of the women’s volleyball team can contact RRC’s manager of athletics and recreation services, Shane Ray at 204- 632-3030 or shray@rrc.ca.
