Varsity Reds Ink Pair Early

(FREDERICTON, NB) The 2016-17 Atlantic University Sport women’s volleyball season hasn’t even begun, and head coach Jilliane Portelli is on maternity leave, but that doesn’t mean she isn’t eyeing the 2017-18 season.

Portelli has landed CIS Letters of Intent from two recruits.

Outside hitters Kieren Hume, of Truro, Nova Scotia, and Olivia Valenti, of North Bay, Ontario, will join the UNB Varsity Reds next fall.

“Kieren and Olivia are both focused, positive, hard-working athletes who will be fantastic additions to our team,” said Portelli.

James Cress is the Varsity Reds interim head coach while Portelli is her maternity leave.

Hume was named Most Valuable Player of the varsity girls volleyball team at Ecole de acadienne de Truro the past two season.

She represented Volleyball Nova Scotia at the National Team Challenge Cup tournament in both 2016 and 2015, and she was a member of Nova Scotia’s bronze medal-winning team at the 2014 Les Jeux de la Fracophonie, in Gatineau, Quebec.

As well, Hume’s club team earned the silver medal at Nova Scotia’s 2016 under-18 championship tournament.

“I’m really excited to be joining the Varsity Reds next year,” said Hume. “I like all that UNB has to offer, in terms of athletics and programming. I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to be involved in a high quality education and the sport I love.”

Hume will study mechanical engineering.

Olivia Valenti was the Most Valuable Player on St. Joseph Scollard Hall High School’s girls volleyball team in her Grade 10 and 11 years.

She led SJSH to Northern Ontario Secondary School Athletics titles in 2014 and 2015.

A member of the highly regarded Vision Volleyball Club, Valenti was the team’s MVP in 2015.

“I am looking forward to bringing my hard work and positive attitude to the Varsity Reds,” said Valenti. “The team and university have a great atmosphere, and I’m excited to call UNB my new home away from home.”