Veteran Bisons hitter Light Uchechukwu has never been one to back down from a challenge. As a matter of fact, she embraces them, thriving when the spotlight is at its brightest in big games.
“I love playing harder teams,” she says confidently. “There’s something about it. I think it brings everyone up a bit, and there’s no room to slouch. I think it’s a little more fun, and a little more intense.”
Uchechukwu – who’s been part of the UM umbrella since 13U with Junior Bisons – won a national championship at the club level as well as a gold medal during the Canada Summer Games while in high school. She’s been named to the Canada West All-Rookie team and has played middle as well as left and right side for the team, recording 469 kills, 326 digs and 79 blocks over the last three seasons.
This summer, Uchechukwu took her game to the next level when she was named to Volleyball Canada’s NextGen Program. The team is viewed as the “entry point” for anyone aspiring to play for Team Canada, facilitating full-time, high-performance training during the summer months.
At 21, Uchechukwu was one of the youngest members of the 16-woman group that traied in BC. Included in the mix were multiple NCAA Division 1 athletes, and members of powerhouse programs across Canada, including Trinity Western.
“The previous year I tried out and I didn’t make it. Obviously that was heartbreaking. Making it this year, I was kind of shocked. I kept on waiting for an email to be like sorry, we made a mistake. Making it this year, it was kind of nice after the hard work and tears from last year,” reflected the Bisons captain.
“I think I just learned how to be calmer, and to stop moving so much. Basically to make things simpler. You can get there with one step [as a hitter], but I’m taking 10,000 to get there. It was a pretty neat experience to play with people who are way better than me, and to see how they do it. It’s great.”
Uchechukwu was in the gym for workouts twice a day, and also got to rub shoulders with members of Canada’s ‘A’ team. The passing she witnessed from her setters was a reminder about the importance of consistency.
“I think it’s their tempo, and they get it to the spot every single time, which is pretty impressive. I think all of the setters also have this aura, kind of like a quarterback. You feel their presence. They’re like, you need to get the ball here, I’m like okay.”
An injury sustained during training meant that Uchechukwu could only pass for a while. Like the competitor she is, she relished the opportunity to improve her six-row play.
Her versatility was on full display in the opening weekend against Trinity on the road, where she recorded nine digs, 12 kills and four assisted blocks in game two on the Saturday.
The matchup was an opportunity for the Bisons to show early on that they were a contender. They took multiple sets to extra points in game two in a thrilling affair.
“We talked about wanting to be a team that no one wants to play against, because we’re not letting the ball drop. I think we’ve done a really good job of that in practices and in how we play. Everyone is always engaged and ready,” says Uchechukwu.
“I think that night proved to everyone that we are a good team, and that we can go head-to-head with anyone in the country. It was good for confidence.”
Since returning home over the last number of weeks, the Bisons have rolled. They’re undefeated at 8-0 entering this weekend’s play at Investors Group Athletic Centre, and are right in the thick of a top-three spot, just two points out.
Balance has been the name of the game, with numerous players stepping up when their name has been called.
Uchechukwu and Ella Gray (84 kills, 67 digs) have switched in and out at right side, offering a different look to teams, while both being able to take over games. On the left, rookie Raya Surinx is in the top eight in total points, while fellow left side Andi Almonte has had a career year, with 93 digs, while her 70 kills is just six off a new personal best.
In the middle, Brenna Bedosky and Eve Catojo are both in the top eight in hitting efficiency for their position, while Catojo is third in Canada West with 1.18 blocks per set. Facilitating the attack is setter Katreena Bentley, who leads the conference with ten assists per set, while libero Julia Arnold is third, with 3.85 digs per set.
That’s not to mention players like Kendra Andjelic, Chelsea Siebenga, Aviendah Plett and others who’ve stepped up when there name has been called.
“I think we’ve done really well at home. I think we also need to prove that we can do really well away. That’s something we need to work on. I think we’re starting to play really well as a team. The bench’s energy is great. When I’m on the bench, we have a great time cheering. It’s kind of fun,” noted Uchechukwu.
“Everyone who’s gone in has done a great job. Chelsea when she’s gone in, I love her energy on the court. She wants the ball and is always the loudest. Chloe [Ellerbrock] has come a long way, Kendra when she had to come in because Katreena was sick, she’s a libero who had to play setter at the U SPORTS level and did really well. I think everyone has done their part.”