By Jadon Frank

Briercrest women’s volleyball got an exciting early start on the recruitment front for the 2013-14 season with the signing of one of the top graduating outside hitters in Saskatchewan, in Samantha Zacharias on Oct. 31, 2012. 

Briercrest head coach Nolan Weinmaster is excited to have Samantha Zacharias commit to joining his team next season.

“Sam Zacharias is the top graduating outside hitter in Saskatchewan this year,” Weinmaster said. “So we are pretty excited about her coming!

“I have always been a left-side player who loves the speed and power of the game,” Zacharias said.

The outside hitter attends Waldheim School where she has been both a great overall athlete and student. She has been awarded the “Best Female Athlete” at Waldheim School the last two years (Grades 10 and 11), while at the same time maintaining Academic honours (90%+) with distinction throughout high school.

“I have played for the Waldheim Raiders volleyball program each year of high school,” Zacharias said. “In addition to volleyball, I also complete in basketball, badminton and track and field.  I started playing volleyball when I was in Grade 4, fell in love with it immediately and my passion for the game continues to grow.”

Zacharias brings success with her to Briercrest. Her high school team won SHSAA 3A silver medals in 2009 and 2010, as well as bronze in 2011. Two weeks ago she once again led her team to SHSAA 3A provincials where they won the bronze medal. Her club volleyball career with the Waldheim SVVC club (2004-present) has also been full of success finishing fourth at the SVA provincials the past two seasons. Both of these teams were coached by her father, Derek Zacharias.

She has received many accolades for her volleyball performance including All-Star selection at the 2012 U of S and 2012 Mustang high school tournaments, and at the 2012 18U SVA provincials.

Zacharias has also represented the Saskatchewan provincial team the last three season, serving as co-captain on the 2011 16U and 2012 17U teams. Her 2011 team finished second at the Western Elites after finishing fourth the previous season.

Zacharias is currently training and competing with Team Saskatchewan in a unique exchange program.

“I am currently playing with Team Saskatchewan in the MVP (Multi-Cultural Volleyball Program) that is participating in an exchange program with a team from the Shanghai Institute of Sport in Shanghai, China,” Zacharias said. “We will be travelling to China in December, 2012 for training and competition.”

Zacharias has a sense of direction for her time at Briercrest College.

“I am going to study combined biblical studies and bachelor of arts courses with plans of going into education,” said the Waldheim native. “I’m looking forward to getting a great education while at the same time being a member of a high performing volleyball team. My goal is to help lead the Briercrest women’s volleyball team to an ACAC Championship.”

Coach Weinmaster is excited to work with Zacharias and to see the impact that she has both on and off the court.

"I had the opportunity to coach Sam on the provincial team a couple of summers ago and I know she will be bringing a lot of character to our program along with her high level of skill,” Weinmaster said. “She comes from a great family and will be an ideal fit for the culture of our women's volleyball program here at Briercrest!"