The York University Lions women’s volleyball team hasn’t played a game since Feb. 29, 2020 – an OUA quarterfinal against the Brock Badgers. If you go to a team practice, head coach Jennifer Neilson says it’s easy to pick up on the excitement to be back.
“The hunger in the gym was the greatest it’s ever been since I’ve been here the past four years. There’s optimism in the air, there’s excitement, the players are so disappointed when practices are over. It’s so exciting to have that competitive fire in the gym again.”
Like their counterparts on the men’s team, and their opponents across the OUA, the Lions have a small number of returning players due to the 2020-21 season cancellation. However, Neilson says the group of veterans have all shown significant improvement since returning to the Tait McKenzie Centre for training and non-conference games.
Olivia Kim, an OUA East first-team all-star, has fire and ambition, Jessica Reynolds has been a gamer in the back, Tyneille Swaby and Lauren Boddington have made strides working very hard in training, according to Neilson. Chiara Da Silva has also led by example – her coach describes her as an “energizer bunny.”
Christina Piccinin, while a new face in the locker room, comes in as a transfer from the McGill Martlets. Neilson says Piccinin’s veteran experience has left an “incredible” impact on the team with maturity.
Chloe Ladd, a new recruit from the 2020 class, will join the team from the National Excellence Program, a select program designed to prepare athletes to perform at the highest level of volleyball.
These players combine for an exciting opportunity at a competitive program – as their coach describes it, the season ahead is a blank slate.
“All across the OUA, there is so much roster turnover. That’s why things are so exciting. Everyone comes in, and there really aren’t any expectations aside from what we as a team can accomplish. And I think this group is capable of winning an OUA banner.”
The team will open their season this coming Saturday, Nov. 5, as part of a two-game season opening slate of games against the RMC Paladins.
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