WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL: VAN STEEKELENBURG BRINGS CONSISTENCY, POSITIVE ENERGY TO THE LAKERS

The Nipissing Lakers women’s volleyball team continues to attract and add skilled, quality recruits and their latest signing is no different.

The Lakers are excited and proud to announce the addition of outside hitter, Kiara Van Steekelenburg, who will join the program for the 2024-25 OUA season.

The Beamsville, ON product will make her way to the Lakers after wrapping up her career with the Mountain Volleyball Club 18U Everest team at the club level and the Eden Flyers at the high school level.

Van Steekelenburg said Nipissing is the right place for her both academically and athletically and is looking forward to the next chapter in both areas.

“I chose Nipissing because it is the perfect fit for me as an athlete and also for my academics. As soon as I stepped on campus, I instantly felt welcomed by the team and coaching staff. Seeing the positive and hard-working team culture, I felt I could totally see myself being a part of the team,” she said. “Also, the smaller community, beautiful area, and the environmental program is what further drew me in. I am thrilled to become part of a group of such talented and experienced athletes.”

Van Steekelenburg began her club career with the Niagara Rapids prior to joining the Mountain Volleyball Club.

The team captain of both her club team and high school team, Van Steekelenburg brings strong leadership skills to the team, both on and off the court.

She is excited to showcase those skills as well as develop her overall game.

“My expectation for next year is to continue to work hard on and off the court and to positively contribute to the team,” she explained. “I am excited to further my skills by learning from the coaching staff and my future teammates.”

Entering the Environmental Biology and Technology program at Nipissing, Van Steekelenburg looks forward to balancing the academic and athletic lifestyle.

On the court, she’s a player that will find a way to contribute, whether it’s through her play or her ability to support teammates.

Van Steekelenburg brings an ability to adapt, but also utilize her skills to make the right reads and shots to score and contribute to team success.

“My strengths as a player are my consistency and my ability to be level-headed in a game. I am a great passer on serve receive and can anticipate the other teams plays on defense. Also, I am a smart and versatile player on offense,” Van Steekelenburg said. “As for my style, my positive attitude that I bring to practice and games keeps the energy high and balanced within the team.”

Lakers head coach Marc LaRochelle noted Van Steekelenburg’s energy and passion for the game and believes that will be a nice addition to the current roster as the culture continues to grow.

“I am happy to welcome Kiara to the Lakers family. What is apparent very quickly when you watch Kiara compete is her positive energy and court presence regardless of the situation,” LaRochelle said. “Kiara is calm and consistent in serve receive and reads well as a defender. I look forward to having Kiara’s energy and work ethic in gym in the fall.”