The Nipissing Lakers women’s volleyball team has made a big splash with their first recruit, as they look ahead to the future, adding a member of Team Ontario Black Program, representing Ontario at the Canada Cup in July 2024 placing the highest out of all Ontario teams.
The Lakers are excited and proud to announce the addition of middle, Aurora House, who will join the program for the 2025-26 OUA season.
Making her way to Nipissing, the Woodstock, ON product is ready to make the jump to the OUA/USports after a successful career with Forest City Volleyball Club 18U Methuselah.
“My strengths as a volleyball player are my athleticism, outgoing personality, uplifting/positive attitude, competitiveness, determination and being a supportive teammate,” she said of her style, adding on and off the court, Nipissing is the place she wants to be.
She also suited up for Woodstock Collegiate Institute (WCI) Senior Girls Red Devils at the high school level where she led her team in kills during the 2023-24 season and earned the top athlete award.
Enrolling in BPHE, with her sights set on the education program, House believes Nipissing has a lot to offer her academically and athletically.
“I love the outstanding BPHE program and its hands-on learning approach as well as the beautiful campus coming from a family who loves all things nature,” she said, adding the team was very welcoming right away. “The team culture that Coach Marc and other coaching staff have created is what drew me to Nipissing. Everyone is like family.”
Her goals, much like her strengths, are a team-first approach and she believes she can develop as person and athlete.
“Not only to grow as an athlete and volleyball player during my time at Nipissing, but also as a person,” she explained. “I want to positively contribute to the team’s success on and off the court and I always strive to stay consistent on the court and in the weight room.”
Lakers head coach Marc LaRochelle is thrilled to have House join the program and is excited to see what she can bring to the Lakers.
“We are very excited to welcome Aurora to the Lakers family,” LaRochelle said. “I was very impressed watching Aurora’s growth, work ethic and performance during Team Ontario training and at the Canada Cup. She is quick in transition which allows her to be available to attack multiple gaps and is dynamic off the floor. Ultimately what is more important to us is that Aurora’s values and personality is a perfect fit with our team and she will contribute positively to our team culture.
“We look forward to working with Aurora to reach her future goals both on and off the court,” LaRochelle added.