Vernon’s Kelsey Thompson set the Pacific Western Athletic Association on fire with another stellar volleyball season with the College of the Rockies Avalanche in Cranbrook.
“We had a great team, everyone clicked and we played with some great schemes,” said the fourth-year student.
Thompson, who turns 22 in September, spent five years at power for the Fulton Maroons.
She just turned in the best season of her college career.
A left side attacker,Thompson led the Avalanche to a birth in provincials for the first time in school history and was their top offensive threat.
Thompson tied for first with 309 digs, averaging 3.67 a game. She was first in kills with 286, averaging 3.4 a game, 33 aces and finished second in total offensive stats with 331 and averaged 3.94 a game.
She was named Pac West 1st team all-star and was named to the 1st all-star team at provincials.
The Avalanche placed fourth in provincials, losing the bronze medal game to the Capilano Blues 3-0 (25-16, 25-14, 25-19). Thompson was player of the match with nine kills, one ace and 16 digs.
“It was tough, we expected to do better, but we had injuries and there’s not much you can do about that,” said Thompson.“It’s just extra motivation now. We know what we have to do to be successful next year.”
Thompson was the oldest on the team and has been a co-captain both years with the Avalanche. She is looked as a leader on and off the court.
“I just try to take care of everyone. I help organize meetings and set up team dinners,” said Thompson.
With a tourism and recreation diploma under her belt, Thompson is working on completing a business diploma.
“I want to be an event planner for parties one day. I think I would have a lot of fun with that job,” said Thompson.
As for now, she is spending her final summer of college in Cranbrook working at the Shadow Mountain golf course and training.
The Avalanche should be set for another crack at the provincial title with nine returning players.
They open their season Oct. 29 against Capilano University Blues in North Vancouver.
