CHARLOTTETOWN – A former Holland Hurricanes’ women’s volleyball player is ready to hit the court in maroon and white once again.
Laura Ready, a setter from Charlottetown and member of the Hurricanes’ squad that finished sixth in the 2016 Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) women’s volleyball national championship in Charlottetown, is returning to Holland College for the 2018-19 season after spending the last two seasons at UPEI.
“I am very happy to go back to Holland College in the fall,” said Ready, who will enter her third season of eligibility. “They have created such a strong volleyball program with such dedicated athletes and coaching staff, and I’m really excited to be able to contribute my passion to the sport again.”
The five-foot-seven Ready, who will enrol in the human resource management program at Holland College, has kept busy in her two seasons away, competing for UPEI at the club level while also representing Prince Edward Island in beach volleyball at the 2017 Canada Summer Games in Winnipeg, which she credits for helping develop her game.
She has a strong resumé on the court and on the sideline, having been named Volleyball P.E.I.’s player of the year in 2014 and coach of the year in 2016.
“Through coaching and playing, I have really expanded my knowledge of the game, and I look forward to being able to put this into action in this upcoming season,” she said.
Ready also excels in the classroom, having been a two-time recipient of the CCAA National Scholar Award combining athletics and academics.
Hurricanes head coach Lori-Beth Dwyer is thrilled about Ready coming back to Holland College.
“Laura is an absolute pleasure to coach, and brings a real sense of maturity and experience to the team,” Dwyer said. “She is incredibly hard working, and brings positive energy to the court.
“Laura is a versatile player who will lead our offence this season.”
Citing experience, leadership, and work ethic as her strong suits, Ready is looking forward to starting a new season with the Hurricanes.
“Although we will be a relatively new team, I think that we can bring a lot of experience to the court and make another run at the ACAA title in our home gym,” said Ready.
The Hurricanes will host the ACAA volleyball championships at the Holland College Centre for Community Engagement in February.
The ‘Canes will open their ACAA regular season on Oct. 27, when they visit the Dal AC Rams. The Hurricanes’ home opener at the Holland College Centre for Community Engagement is against the Mount Allison Mounties on Oct. 28.
Story compiled by Geordie Carragher.
