WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL SIGNS LANGLEY LIBERO (WADDINGTON)

For Immediate Release: Friday May 15, 2009

Kamloops, BC- The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack women’s volleyball team has its third recruit for 2009-10. Interm Coach Cal Wohlford has announced the signing of libero Christa Waddington of Langley, BC (D.W. Poppy Secondary).

“She comes from a very athletic family. She’ll add a lot to our team the very first year,” says Wohlford. “I’m pretty excited that Christa has chosen to play with us.”

Waddington, who’s older sister has just finished playing four years of NCAA volleyball at the University of Oregon, decided to spurn offers from American schools to attend TRU. She will be taking general Arts courses to start with an eye at either a major in Psychology/Criminology or the new TRU Law program.

“ I really didn’t want to change countries. I wanted to stay closer to home,” says the 5’8” Waddington, who’s Fraser Valley Club team finished fifth in the second division at the recent U-18 National Club Championships in Ottawa, Ontario. “My other sister actually attended TRU last year and really enjoyed it. I also have family here.”

Waddington started her volleyball career as a power hitter. She moved to setter and finally libero with her D.W. Poppy club which finished 5 th at the BC “AAA” High School Championships last fall. She admits that she isn’t the loudest person on the court, which is usually a good trait for a libero but says she would step up that part of her game if she needs to.

“Joining a program which is on the rise is something that really appeals to me,” she says referring to TRU’s top 20 ranking nationally in 2008-09. “ I want to keep going with this team. They are getting better every year and I hope to be able to contribute to their future success. ”

Waddington admits it’ll be a big step up to CIS, and acknowledges that she’ll be nervous when she first takes the court. With the graduation of Laura Plouffe (Sherwood Park, Alta), there will be one libero spot open come the fall, Wohlford says she will definitely be in the mix. “She will add a lot to our team.”

Waddington approached him about joining the program, something Wohlford says is becoming more common place. “With the success we’ve enjoyed, many athletes are taking a closer look at Thompson Rivers as an option. In regards to Christa, I liked what I saw of her at the Club Nationals and believe she isn’t that far away from helping us. I think she has the ability to catch up to the CIS level of play pretty quickly”

She becomes the third BC High School player to commit to TRU for the coming season. Emily Bootle (South Kamloops) and Elise Foot (DP Todd, Prince George BC), who are both middles have already signed ‘letters of intent’.

The WolfPack begin their training camp in late August/early September.