The UBC Okanagan Heat has added Skye Thompson to its offensive arsenal for the 2015-16 Canada West women’s volleyball season.
The co-captain of her U18 Canuck club team in Calgary, Thompson is expected to bring her work ethic to both the classroom on the court with the Heat.
Playing predominantly as an outside-hitter, Thompson has powered her way to numerous titles on the court, including a U18 national team Challenge Cup victory with Team Alberta in 2014.
A top-notch student who will graduate from Calgary’s Webber Academy tho spring, Thompson has achieved three straight years of a 90 per cent plus GPA.
Her hardworking attitude will be focused mostly in the outside hitter position in coach Steve Manuel’s system next year, though the 5’9 Thompson also has experience as a libero and defensive specialist.
“Skye is an extremely driven student athlete, and one that excels in many areas,” said Manuel. “You only have to watch Skye play for a few minutes to figure out her approach to things—she gives it all on and off the court.
“I am excited for the opportunity to work with her and I believe that she will add to our already hard working and dedicated team culture,”
Thompson looks forward to the move a higher level of volleyball.
“It will definitely be a huge jump from club (to the CIS),” said Thompson. “But I like it when it’s tough because it gives you something to work towards.”
Thompson said her choice to leave her hometown of Calgary would not have happened if not for the opportunity to keep playing volleyball and pursue higher learning. “Family is really important to me,” she said. “(UBC Okanagan) is pretty close to home though—only a half-hour flight.”
