WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL: LAKERS ADD VERSATILITY AND HEIGHT WITH ADDITION OF DOWNEY

The Nipissing Lakers women’s volleyball team has bolstered their versatility as they continue to stay busy this off-season.

The Lakers are excited and proud to announce the addition of 6-foot-2 outside/middle hitter, Makayla Downey, who will join the program for the 2024-25 OUA season.

Downey, who hails from Erin, ON, brings a unique blend of work ethic, as well as strong volleyball IQ, which should help her contribute to the Lakers quickly.

“My strong work ethic helps me accomplish personal and team goals. My ability to read the opposing hitters allows me to set up an effective block. I am able to see different scoring opportunities and use it to my advantage, whether it is tipping, using the block or finding gaps in the block,” she said. “My desire to win and how I push myself and my teammates makes me a valuable teammate.”

Making her way to the Lakers after a successful career with the Smash Raiders and Guelph Collegiate Vocational Institute (GCVI), Downey is excited about jump to Nipissing and the OUA/USports.

“From the moment I met the team, everyone was very inviting and supportive. After having conversations with the coaching staff and the team, I saw myself aligning with the community and positive culture they have built,” she explained. “The smaller sized university is appealing to me and I am very excited to be apart of it and to contribute to it as a student athlete.”

Downey is the captain of her GCVI team, leading them to a perfect season and was named MVP of the district finals.

On the club side, they entered the provincial tournament ranked third.

Entering into the Bachelor of Science/Commerce – Environmental Biology and Technology program, Downey found a perfect balance between academics and athletics.

Outside of the academics, Downey is excited about her chance to make an impact on the court, but also showcase her skillset.

“My competitive drive gives me the needed aggressiveness to allow me to compete and excel. I am very strategic and calculated in my play and use every opportunity to score points for my team,” Downey explained. “I expect to create meaningful relationships both on and off the court and build on my current skill set in game play, to strengthen my mental and tactical game. I expect my new team to excel in the OUA and continue to build on their current success.”

Lakers head coach Marc LaRochelle is excited to add Downey, who can contribute to the team and program in different ways, on and off the court.

“We are very happy to welcome Makayla to the Lakers family,” LaRochelle said. “Having an opportunity to spend some time with Makayla, it was evident that she fit in right away with the team and aligned with our team culture. On the court, Makayla’s experience playing right side and middle will definitely add some versatility to our team. I look forward to working with Makayla and seeing her future growth both on and off the court.”