London, ON – The Mustangs Women’s Volleyball team welcomes 5 new additions to the program this fall as they announce their 2024-25 recruit class.
Four of the newest Mustangs come from Ontario with the other recruit hails from BC.
This year’s class includes Emma Buntic, Sophie Jewell, Sophie Miller, Nyla Tukker & Karly Vrbanac
“What is most exciting about this group is that they are battle tested. Each of them comes from one of the top competing 18U club programs in the country and have played in top-level matches and really proven their ability to be successful in various roles, whether as starters or really key contributors off the bench and I know that experience will serve them well as they find their role within our team program this year.” said Mustangs Head Coach Melissa Bartlett “This is our earliest committed recruit class of all time, and I think that just speaks to the fact that each of them found such a great fit, academically and athletically, and we can’t wait to welcome them officially to the team in September!”
2024-2025 Mustangs Recruit Class Profiles
Emma Buntic
Position: Outside Attacker
Hometown: Mississauga, ON
High School: Lorne Park Secondary School
Club Team: Leaside Wildfire
Intended Academic Program/Faculty at Western
DAN Department of Management and Organizational Studies
Why did you choose Western?
Strong athletic and academic programs as well as the great team culture.
Career Highlights/Notable Awards?:
Winning a national title, being named a national all-star 2x, and winning provincials while being a provincial all-star. Emma also took part in the inaugural All-Canadian Volleyball match and was a member of Team Ontario Black last summer.
Coaches Quote:
Emma is a tremendous teammate and a smooth and focused competitor. She has a lot of big time experience playing with talented club teams and she is driven to continue to develop and compete among the best in the country. She is well rounded and her offensive strengths fit really well with our fast offensive system.
Sophie Jewell
Position: Outside Attacker/Defensive Specialist
Hometown: Toronto, ON
High School: Bishop Allen Academy
Club Team: Leaside Wildfire
Intended Academic Program/Faculty at Western
DAN Management and Organizational Studies to eventually pursue an Ivey HBA.
Why did you choose Western?
The welcoming team culture and because it was the perfect balance between strong academics and competitive athletics.
Career Highlights/Notable Awards?
She a member of Team Ontario Black for the past two summers (2022 and 2023), member of Team Ontario Elite, and is a 16U National Champion, 17U Provincial Champion while also holding the role of team captain last year.
Coaches Quote:
Sophie brings the whole package – is a well rounded athlete capable of contributing in multiple positions, an incredibly supportive teammate and a great student. She has some BIG game experience that will contribute right away to our gym!
Sophie Miller
Position: Right Side Attacker
Hometown: Toronto, ON
High School: Bishop Allen Academy
Club Team: Leaside Wildfire
Intended Academic Program/Faculty at Western
MIT
Why did you choose Western?
The positive team atmosphere, beautiful campus and because our programs perfectly fit her academic goals.
Career Highlights/Notable Awards?
She has won both a 16U and 17U national titles, has been named a National all-star and in the summer of 2023 was a member of Team Ontario Black who competed at the Canada Cup.
Coaches Quote:
Sophie is one of the most highly touted left handed attackers in the 2024 recruit class, she has trained with many successful club programs and we believe she has a great understanding of her strengths and how she can adapt and contribute at the next level. She brings the energy both on and off the court and will add depth to our right side position.
Nyla Tukker
Position: Outside Attacker
Hometown: Vancouver, BC
High School: West Point Grey Academy
Club Team: BCO
Intended Academic Program/Faculty at Western
Creative Arts & Production
Why did you choose Western?
Positive team culture and welcoming coaching staff and players! Nyla will be supported and cheered on as a Mustang by local family in the London area and she also has family ties to Western as her dad is a Western alumnus!
Career Highlights/Notable Awards?
Has been a member of Team BC multiple times and including the team who competed in the Canada Cup tournament held in Ontario in the summer of 2023.
Coaches Quote:
Nyla is our one out of province recruit this year and fans are going to love watching her athleticism and competitive tenacity on the court! She was the anchor for her very talented 18U club team and has a lot of experience being relied on in big moments. She has tremendous long term potential and immediately adds depth to our outside attacker position!
Karly Vrbanac
Position: Libero/Defensive Specialist
Hometown: Conestoga, ON
High School: Elmira District Secondary School
Club Team: KW Preds Strive
Intended Academic Program/Faculty at Western
Sociology and Criminology
Why did you choose Western?
Karly chose Western because of the strong athletic and academic programs as well as the supportive and welcoming team environment.
Career Highlights/Notable Awards?:
Karly has been a member of Team Ontario Black as well as a 2x MVP for her high school and a 2x OVA Award of Excellence recipient.
Coaches Quote:
Karly is a fierce competitor and teammate. She impressed us with her leadership and court presence the moment she stepped into our gym and has been on the pathway to joining the Stang Gang ever since! We cannot wait to see her continue her career in PURPLE and know she will be a boost to our team culture and training environment right away.
The Women’s Volleyball program starts their 2024-25 campaign Nov. 1 when they host Guelph at Alumni Hall. The entire OUA schedule for the Women’s Volleyball team can be found here.