As the team’s current student-athletes write exams while getting some much needed rest from on-court training, the UNB Varsity Reds Women’s Volleyball program has received verbal commitments from two Fredericton recruits for next season. Olivia Babcock and Leah White will play for the V-Reds beginning September 2011. Both are current members of the REDS Volleyball Club and have been active participants with Team New Brunswick’s Provincial program.
Babcock, a libero, helped Team New Brunswick 17U capture the 2010 Eastern Elite Championship this past summer and was named an All-Star at the Championships. She also helped the REDS Club capture the 2009 Provincial 18U Championship banner (playing on a 17U team) in December 2009 and once again was named a Tournament All-Star.
Olivia Babcock commented “I am really looking forward to being part of the Varsity Reds program and very confident in choosing UNB. The new facility, good engineering faculty and great volleyball program made it an easy decision.”
White, a setter, has a very similar resume. Playing as a “starter” alongside Babcock on both championship teams. This upcoming weekend she will lead her team into the Volleyball New Brunswick Provincial Championship being hosted in Moncton. As the #1 seeded team they will look to capture back-to-back 18U provincial championship banners.
Leah White commented “I'm very excited to start my upcoming year with the Varsity Reds and take my place in one of the top programs around. The coaches and players are all very welcoming and with the Richard J. Currie Center on its way, the decision to stay at home at UNB seems perfect.”
Head Coach John Richard commented, “These two local athletes represent two of the top four or five grade 12 players in New Brunswick. Both are quality individuals who are solid provincial team players and who both give us immediate depth at their positions. I’ve had the pleasure of coaching both in the past and look forward to doing the same within our Varsity Reds program. The REDS Club continues to develop some excellent student-athletes capable of playing CIS volleyball and I look forward to that trend continuing.”