Posted: Apr 25, 2017

Huskies Volleyball add four to 2017/18 Lineup

Saint Mary's University women's volleyball head coach Darren Russell is pleased to announce the commitment of four student-athletes to bolster its roster for the 2017-2018 season.

Marissa Macaulay

Marissa Macaulay, a 5'7 setter from Truro, NS has played for the CEC Cougars, the Sackville Sonics Volleyball Club, Team Nova Scotia (3 seasons) and most recently with Bia 18u Club. She won Tournament MVP at Eastern Elites in 2014 along with several all-stars awards. Recently, Macaulay won the 2016 U18 Atlantic Beach Volleyball Championships. Marissa is one of the top setters in Atlantic Canada and is a fierce competitor on the court. She is very athletic and her court vision will help continue to grow our offense.

Bethany Smith

Bethany Smith, a 6'3 middle from Moncton, NB has played for Harrison Trimble High School Varsity Volleyball (2014-2016), Roofers Volleyball club (2010-2015), Fuzion Volleyball High Performance Program (2016), and Team NB (since 2012). She has several Provincial MVPs and All-Stars and most recently been a part of the Youth National Development Program (2016) and Team NB Canada Games Team (2016). Bethany is the sister of current Huskies player Erin Smith and is someone wthe coaches have watched develop into the player she is today. She's been there cheering on her sister and the Huskies for the last several years. it's going to be fun to now see her compete alongside of them. Bethany moves very well on the court and brings a big presence at the net.

Bethany commented, "I am thrilled to be joining the Saint Mary's Huskies Volleyball program next fall. The welcoming atmosphere of the team, both players and coaching staff alike, played a vital role in my decision to attend the university. Likewise, the chance to play on the same side net as my older sister for the first time, given our four-year age gap, was a significant factor. The attentiveness of the coaching and training staff is equally incredible, and I look forward to continuing my development as a player under their guidance".

Sim Gill

Sim Gill, a 5'11 outside hitter from Mississauga, Ontario is a transfer from Ryerson University (she played two seasons with the Rams and before that, with Lakeside Volleyball Club). Gill was an OUA silver medalist in 2015-2016 with Ryerson. "I chose SMU for its great criminology program and the excellence in athletics. Their volleyball program along with their academics have both been highly ranked in the CIS" said Gill. Sim is very competitive on the court and she knows what needs to get done in order to win. She will bring added offense and experience to this team.

Kennady Wright

Kennady, a 5'11 outside hitter from Vernon, British Columbia plays for the Jr. Heat Volleyball Club through UBCO. She has played in the BC Summer Games for three summers (indoor volleyball in 2013 and 2014 and beach volleyball in 2015). Wright has received the female athlete of the year award in her high school in grades 8, 10 and 12. "After my visit to Halifax, I was really impressed with the city and their support for their Universities. The atmosphere is amazing and very welcoming. I was also very impressed with the team and coaching staff…their energy was infectious. They are competitive and have the drive to win; they have a sense of team so for me and I am very excited to be a part of the Huskies", commented Wright.

Head Coach Darren Russell is very excited with this group of student-athletes. "Each of these players come from very strong volleyball programs and all of them are leaders within their own teams. They are all extremely hard workers, both on and off the court and I know all of these players will come in and contribute right away and get us to the next level".