Maddie Barnes joins the Canadore Panthers. PHOTO SUBMITTED.
The Canadore Panthers Varsity Volleyball team stayed close to home to add some talent for the upcoming 2014-15 season as they committed to Widdifield's Maddie Barnes and Chippewa's Kennedie Ward.
Maddie Barnes, 5”11, Middle Blocker, played for Widdifield Secondary, winning the NDA title every year and NOSSA twice. She also played for the Wildcat club in 2009 and 10, and then Lakers club in 2011 and 12 winning silver in division 2 at provincials.
“I'm very excited to become a Panther, both by playing on a varsity team and academically," said Barnes in a Canadore press release.
"Being able to play the sport I love at the varsity level, and getting a diploma and degree that I am interested in, truly is a win win win.”
Canadore coach Stephanie Hancock believes the addition of Barnes adds another strong blocker to the Canadore lineup.
“I think with some foot work training over the summer, Maddie will fit right into the OCAA league play. She’s hardworking and dedicated to the sport, and it helps our team chemistry that she has some previous playing experience with a few of my current players.”
Canadore adds another outside hitter in Kennedie Ward, who didn't play last season.
“I'm very happy to be back playing volleyball and I know that playing for the Panthers and the education I receive will provide me structure, excellent work ethic and opportunities for my future. I'm excited to help build on last year’s success,” said the 5'8", Ward.
“Kennedie’s commitment this year was a pleasant surprise," admitted coach Hancock.
"After aggressively recruiting her for the 2013-2014 season, she informed me she would take a year off. Her dedication this year shows me she has truly settled in to her own, and I cannot wait to help coach her into the outside hitter I can only imagined she dreamed of being this past year.”
