WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL: LAKERS STRENGHTEN MIDDLE WITH ADDITION OF LOCAL, WAY-WHITE

The Nipissing Lakers women’s volleyball team is keeping local talent at home thanks to their latest signing. 

The Lakers are excited and proud to announce the addition of North Bay, ON product, Grace Way-White, who will join the Lakers for the 2024-25 OUA season. 

Way-White is a middle who will be joining the Lakers after her time with the Vision Volleyball Club, as well as St. Joseph’s-Scollard Hall Bears. 

“I look forward to developing my game on and off the court as I learn from the amazing coaches and other players,” she said. 

While the competition will be tougher, the athletes are bigger and more physical, Way-White is confident in her abilities and as she adapts to the new challenges ahead of her on the court. 

“I am a very strong player at the net as well as when I serve. I also bring intensity, enthusiasm and excitement to the court,” she explained.

Enrolling in Criminal Justice/Criminology, Way-White noted the important of both academics and athletics as she decided on her post-secondary destination.

“I chose Nipissing because of the strong team bond, along with the well-respected reputation within the volleyball community. Not only are the facilities and amenities excellent, but so are the academic opportunities,” she stated. “I am able to reach my full potential thanks to the resources and support that are available to me.” 

Way-White and her teams were busy this past year, playing at the international level in the Tampa Slam Tournament in Tampa Bay, Florida as well as representing the Bears at OFSAA AAA in Markham, ON.

Lakers head coach Marc LaRochelle believes keeping local talent in town is important and likes what Way-White will be able to contribute to the program as she makes the transition to the OUA/USports level.

“We are very happy to welcome Grace to the Lakers family. Grace brings physical presence to the middle and can hit a 50 and 30 effectively,” LaRochelle said. “She is very coachable and has a strong work ethic which is a necessary ingredient to success. We look forward to working with Grace to reach her full potential.”