McLean kicks off 2024 recruiting class for ‘Pack

KAMLOOPS – Head coach Chad Grimm and the Thompson Rivers WolfPack women’s volleyball team are pleased to announce their first signing for the 2024 season with the addition of Claire McLean.
 
A talented setter, McLean is ready to join the ‘Pack all the way from London, ON.
 
“I am excited to have Claire join our team next season as I think she brings not only a skill set in the setting position that we are looking for, but also a level of work ethic and grit that has helped her reach her current level as an athlete,” said WolfPack head coach Chad Grimm.
 
Falling in love with the sport after growing up watching her brother play, McLean started playing at the age of 10 when a fortuitous connection with the WolfPack helped fuel her passion for the sport.
 
“As a young volleyball player, I loved the challenge – the harder the drills the better,” said McLean. “Patrick Johnson – a former WolfPack player – ran some of these sessions and I would always try to sneak up to the older age group that Patrick was running because I would love trying to pass the balls he would hit at me.”
 
Standing at 5-6, McLean doesn’t carry the typical height for a volleyball player but attributes her underdog attitude to overcoming that obstacle.
 
“My U13 year was a very important for me because that’s the year when I was told I was not tall enough for the A team,” said McLean. “I was devastated. I remember my parents facing me with reality and telling me I had a choice: to work hard and demonstrate my leadership no matter what team I was on, or sit and be sad about it. I chose to work hard and within two months I was able to move to the A team, and by the end of the year I earned the ‘Award of Excellence’ on that team.”
 
“Being undersized, I have had to work harder, and play smarter throughout my club experiences,” McLean continued. “My passion for the game and my drive to always improve have been a big part of my volleyball journey.”
 
Playing with the London Volleyball Club’s high performance team for the past two seasons, McLean has continued to improve upon her game in that environment.
 
“I have had the opportunity to be coached by an exceptional coach, Sean Pellow, who challenges me to continuously improve my performance from a skill perspective and in the offences I run as a setter,” said McLean. “I owe a lot to the coaches and training I have received over the years, and of course to my amazing teammates.”
 
TRU first appeared on McLean’s radar after a strong run for her at nationals and the two-time provincial medallist was quick to appreciate many things about the ‘Pack.
 
“During my visit to TRU, I had an opportunity to meet and practice with the team and the girls were very welcoming,” said McLean. “I found the girls to have a vibe that was both fun-loving and also down-to-business, this balance is really appealing to me.”
 
“When I visited TRU, I knew instantly it was at the top of my list,” continued McLean. “The campus was amazing and the people I interacted with were friendly and engaging. I enjoy the outdoors and so the city and surrounding area was also of interest.”

McLean is set to become the second member of the ‘Pack from Ontario for the 2024-25 season when she joins Kate Lamothe.
 
“Claire is able to run a fast offence, manage the game and is willing to take positive risks that put her hitters in good positions,” said Grimm. “It was also nice to have a level of comfort in knowing that one of her coaches is Patrick Johnson, a former TRU men’s player that I worked with as an assistant with that team.  Patrick was able to confirm her level of dedication and grit that will help to further develop the culture of our team.  I am looking forward to adding Claire to our group heading into next season.”

Claire McLean
Position: Setter
Height: 5 ft 6″
Hometown: London, ON
Club Team: London Volleyball Club Fire U18
Athletic Achievements: 
Team:
2023 Provincials – second in D1T2
2018 Provincials – first D2T1
2023 WOSSA “AA” Gold – Senior Girls Volleyball (High School)
 
Individual:
Academy for Student Athlete Development (2022, 2023)
OVA Level 1 Referee
17U OVA Provincials Award of Excellence
2023 Senior Girls Volleyball MVP (High School)
2022 Emerging Leader Award (Blyth Academy School)
2022 Honours student (Blyth Academy School)
13U FCVC Award of Excellence (club award)
12U OVA Provincials Award of Excellence