Briercrest women’s volleyball is excited to announce the first signing of the incoming 2015-16 class. Ashley Zacharias is another standout Waldheim product that has joined the Briercrest volleyball program, following in the footsteps of older sister, and current CCAA kill leader, Samantha.

Briercrest women’s volleyball head coach Nolan Weinmaster is very excited to be adding the younger Zacharias to the fold this coming fall.

“I am very excited to have another Zacharias joining our program next season,” Weinmaster explained. “Ashley is a great person, with an outstanding work ethic and attitude. She is very coachable and has a great competitive spirit that seems to run in the family!”

Zacharias has been an all-around student-athlete during her years at Waldheim School, receiving high academic honours, the “Best Female Athlete” award, as well as being a multi-sport athlete in hockey, badminton, track and golf.

She began playing volleyball in Grade 4 and has played libero and setter for her high school as well as the Raiders United club team, and for Team Saskatchewan from 2012-2014. She has experienced success with both her high school and club teams. She won two SHSAA bronze medals (2011 and 2012) and silver (2013), before defeating Caronport High School for the gold medal in 2014. Her club team won an SVA silver medal in 2013 before becoming SVA champions in 2014, where she was also awarded the SVA U17 Player of the Year Award.

Zacharias has also displayed great leadership in being named co-captain on every team that she has played for, whether it be with Team Saskatchewan, her club or high school teams.

Coach Weinmaster sees a great amount of potential in his newest recruit.

“Ashley has a high level of skill in every aspect of the game and fantastic athleticism. She has had some great opportunities to compete at high levels with being on a strong club team and also starting setter on the Saskatchewan provincial teams. That experience will allow her to make the jump to our level quickly and contribute right away as a great setter for our program going forward!”

Zacharias, who is planning on studying Business Administration at Briercrest, is excited for the unique experience that Briercrest offers.

“I am very excited to be able to come to Briercrest to obviously continue to play the sport I love and get an education at the same time,” she explained, “but, most importantly, deepen my understanding of Jesus Christ and continue to grow in my relationship with Him.”

Weinmaster is looking forward to what Zacharias brings both on and off the court this coming year.

“Ashley comes from a great family and has the type of character we are looking for in all of players. She is a team-first player and she will be an excellent fit for our great culture here on our team and at Briercrest! I am really looking forward to working with her!”

 

For up to date information on the Briercrest volleyball teams, “like” the Briercrest Volleyball facebook page.