Volleyballers Breadner and Thompson commit to Nipissing

Lady Lakers Volleyball head coach Marc LaRochelle is pleased to announce the commitment of Lauren Breadner from Ajax and Heather Thompson from Kitchener to attend Nipissing University in the fall of 2011.Breadner, a 5'10" left-side hitter, played her club volleyball for the Durham Attack based out of Oshawa. She was awarded the 2010-11 Durham Attack Volleyball Team Club Award, given to the athlete whose attitude and behaviour exemplifies the highest level of sportsmanship and who possesses an overall strength of character. Breadner was also named the Uxbridge tournament MVP in 2011 while playing for her Pickering High School team.
“My first goal is to complete a Bachelor of Physical Health and Education, and Nipissing offers an excellent program,” said Breadner. "Secondly, I want to continue to play volleyball for a university where I can make a contribution to the team. Nipissing allows me to do both and I look forward to playing for the Lakers and continuing to improve my skills under coach LaRochelle.”
“Lauren brings a great attitude and versatility to the program,” said LaRochelle. “Although she is a left-side player she has experience playing middle and right-side in a highly competitive environment and that is a testament to her athletic abilities.”
Thompson, a 5'10" middle/right-side player, played club volleyball for the Kitchener-Waterloo Predators. Thompson also played for Forest Height High School, capturing three OFSAA AAAA medals, including a gold medal in 2009-10. Along with her teammates she captured two WCSSAA titles and three CWOSAA championship banners.
“Nipissing’s program is the ideal program for me because I will be studying psychology and education. I know that I will have two options by taking this program.” said Thompson. “Also I want to be involved in varsity sports and I enjoyed getting to know everyone on the team.”
LaRochelle feels that Thompson’s exposure to quality coaching and a high level of competition will be an asset as she makes the transition to post-secondary play. “Heather has played at many high level tournaments and she manages and plays well under stressful situations. She is calm under pressure and that is a great character trait.” said LaRochelle. “Her versatility is also a big asset.”
The Lady Lakers will begin try-outs on September 12, with the final line-up expected to be announced on September 16.
The Lady Lakers open the 2011-12 season on November 5 and 6, playing host to Conestoga and Sheridan.