PLOUFFE AND WALTON GEARING UP FOR FINAL CIS WEEKEND
For immediate Release: February 4, 2009
Kamloops, BC—When the last point is decided at the Tournament Capital Center on Saturday night (Feb 7), win or lose you can be sure that two members of the Thompson Rivers University Wolfpack womens volleyball team will be a little misty eyed. For outside hitter Richelle Walton (Langley, BC) and libero Laura Plouffe (Sherwood Park, Alta), it’ll be their final CIS games ever. Both are playing out their five year eligibility.
“Going into this weekend, I just want to have fun playing good, competitive volleyball,” says Walton “ This is the last time our team will play together, and I would like to end the season with a couple of wins-- for us, and for the program as well. “
“Its easier to finish things off at home,” added Plouffe. “I’ve been with girls who have finished both on the road and at home. It’ll be nice having the home fans and friends around.”
Both players have tried to make the second half of the Canada West Season one to remember. They were in a playoff hunt with Regina until last weekend (Jan 30-31). Walton and Plouffe have been leading by example in providing a steady influence for their younger team mates.
Plouffe transferred into the WolfPack program in 2005-06 after playing a season at Grant McEwan College in Edmonton. Walton came the year after. She spent her first two years in the BC College Athletic Association with Malispina (now Vancouver Island University). Being born in Kamloops, Richelle wanted to be part of the CIS experience in her former home town.
While both say helping build a program has been a real highlight, Walton goes a bit further on expressing what she will remember most about playing CIS volleyball at TRU. “The highlight of playing here is the friendships I've made. I've made some friends that I hope I will have for the rest of my life, and that in itself is a real blessing. Getting to know all of the girls over the years has really made my experience special. I couldn't ask for something more valuable to take away from my experience here. “ She adds. “. I know I will probably be emotional Saturday night. It's been weighing on me for a while...the reality of my CIS volleyball career coming to an end, and ending this chapter in my life. I want to focus on just having a great time playing volleyball during the game and hopefully take away a win or two, and save the 'emotional' part for after the game. Haha. “
“If Richelle can keep her emotions in check I’ll do the same,” grins Plouffe . “My parents and my sister are coming here. They’ve never seen me play. I know it’ll be a bit of a distraction but at the same time, I’m very excited about the whole thing.”
Plouffe knows that whatever the 5 th year ceremony holds on Saturday, it’ll have an effect both on her and her team mates. “I remember last year when Lauren (Stockstad, now a TRU Assistant Coach) went through her ceremony. It makes you reflect on your own career. I was sad to see Lauren go since she was the only one (graduating). I’m glad Richelle and I are going through this together.”
Walton reflects on her student experience like this: “Being a student athlete here has taught me a lot. It has certainly been a challenge being a full-time student and playing a competitive sport as well, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I think in terms of what I will apply to my life in the future, I've actually learned more from volleyball than from school itself. “
And what will life be like on Sunday morning for the two girls? Knowing that they no longer have to practice.
“Its going to be awesome,” laughs Plouffe. “Seriously, I will miss everyone. I’ll probably go out for breakfast with my folks on Sunday.”
For Walton: “I will obviously miss the people- it's easy to take for granted seeing your favorite people everyday. But I will also miss the feeling of competition. I love the feeling before a game, the butterflies and anticipation, and the excitement during the game- especially those when everything just flows and the game is a thrill and somehow easy. “
She adds “ A big thank-you to the staff and faculty who have always been supportive and have personally invested themselves as a part of this program. They have added a sense of family to TRU. “
SIDEOUTS: Both Plouffe and Walton will be honoured in a pre game ceremony on Saturday before their match with the University of Regina. Match time is 7 pm at the T.C.C.. Among those expected to be in attendance will be Carrie Barrett. She coached the WolfPack up until this year when she took maternity leave.