Danielle Groenendijk had one big week earlier this month.
Just a few days after it was announced that she made The Province’s Super 15 for girls volleyball, the Duncan Christian School outside hitter committed to play for the Vancouver Island University Mariners next season.
Despite attending a small school that isn’t always on the radar, Groenendijk attracted enough attention to land on the Super 15 as voted on by the head coaches of UBC, Simon Fraser University, Trinity Western, UBC Okanagan and Thompson Rivers.
“I was kind of surprised because we’re a fairly small school, and none of those coaches had been to our tournaments because we don’t go to the big ones,” Groenendijk said.
Her bio on the Super 15 list described her this way: “Brings a strong work ethic and ability to attack the ball with pace. High level of compete will add to any team.”
Also receiving votes for the top 15 was Brentwood College School outside hitter Taylor Collombin, who hasn’t yet committed to a school for next year.
When she heads to VIU next year, Groenendijk will be following in the footsteps of her older sister, Megan, who spent three years as a Mariner before heading to Toronto to study medical radiation science. Two older brothers also played post-secondary volleyball: Cameron attended Redeemer University College in Ontario and Douglas is still playing at Thompson Rivers.
Groenendijk has known VIU coach Shane Hyde for several years as he coached her sister and helped out her Nanaimo-based club team. That helped her make the decision to head to VIU.
“I’m getting a scholarship, it’s close to home, and I know the coach and the team pretty well,” said Groenendijk, who will probably pursue a Bachelor of Science with a minor in physical education.
Hyde is excited to land another Groenendijk for his team.
“They’re amazing kids, obviously a reflection of their parents,” he said. “I had the privilege of coaching Megan for three years, and I’m pretty stoked to have Danielle join the group.”
The Mariners are losing their captain and fifth-year outside hitter after this season, opening up an obvious spot for Danielle.
“She brings a lot,” Hyde said. “She’s a hard worker, and she’s a strong defensive player as well as a very, very strong offensive player. I’m not expecting that she starts right off the bat, but she has the potential to do so if need be.”
Her longer-term future now set, Groenendijk can concentrate on her studies and on high school basketball. The DCS Chargers are hosting the provincial single-A championships again this year, which guarantees a berth, although they want to earn their way in regardless.
“We won Islands last year,” Groenendijk said. “That was nice because we could prove we belonged there.”
