Nova Scotia is small, both in population and in geographical size, but some of the athletes this province produces are very successful at the university level. Below are profiles of Nova Scotian athletes who have developed through our provinces club system and provincial team program and are now leading the way for their respective Nova Scotia University team in AUS / CIS competition.

Lori-Beth is quite simply a remarkable athlete and student. Growing up in Cole Harbour, she played her high school ball at Auburn Drive and her club ball for the Lakers. To make a long story short, she enrolled at Acadia University, and has since had to seriously upsize her trophy case. As an outside hitter she was AUS rookie of the year, a three-time AUS all-star, conference MVP last season, as well as a second team All-Canadian. She is the first two-time recipient of the national TSN award, presented during the CIS National Championships to student-athletes who best exemplify the attributes of academic and athletic success, as well as community support. Lori-Beth was second in the CIS in kills per game and points per game, and led Acadia in passing, digs and kills. In her fifth and final year with the Axewomen, she is an excellent role model off the court and volunteers countless hours in the community.

Brianne Walsh (University College of Cape Breton)

Brianne comes from Sydney, Nova Scotia and is the next great talent to come down the volleyball pipeline from Cape Breton Island. Before joining the UCCB Capers, Brianne completed a successful high school volleyball career at Sydney Academy, under the guidance of Head Coach John Bates. She also played club volleyball for the Sydney Smash 18 & Under team the past two years, leading the team to their first Nova Scotia Provincial Championship this past spring. This past summer Brianne played with the Nova Scotia Provincial Team that competed at NTCC’s in Saskatoon. Head Coach Claude Lapre says that Brianne brings many things to the squad of which the most obvious is her infectious love of volleyball. "She has a good work ethic and she is an outstanding teammate. We expect Brianne to have an immediate impact on our program and to have an outstanding volleyball career with the Capers."

The Saint Mary’s Huskies’ Pam Rogers is in her fourth year. Born and raised in Halifax, she played for Saint Patrick’s High School and the Lakers Volleyball Club. She went through the provincial program at the midget and juvenile levels and was the starting setter on the Nova Scotia Canada Games team in 2001. Huskies coach Mark Burley says Pam has emerged as one of the best players in this part of the country. "She has an innate ability to run an offense and control the tempo of play, and she inspires a great deal of confidence in her hitters." Burley also cites her leadership as one of her strengths, as she is one of only two players older than second year. Her determination and motivation are also some of Pam’s qualities. She is currently battling to get back into playing shape after being hit by a car while inline skating this summer.

Geoff hails from the picturesque town of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. He played his club ball for the powerhouse Metro Lakers, based out of Halifax. He was a member of the 1999 and 2000 Nova Scotia 18 & Under Provincial Teams, and was a starter on the 2001 Nova Scotia Canada Games Team. Checking into the middle at only 6’4" can be a disadvantage, however, Geoff more than makes up for his small stature with his insane vertical leap. He is currently in his fourth year on the men’s squad at Dalhousie University, where he is taking Kinesiology. He was previously named the Tigers Most Improved Player in 2001-02, and 2003-04. He was also the 2004 AUS Playoff MVP in Dalhousie’s win over conference rivals Memorial University.

Another Cole Harbour product, Stacey also worked her way through the Lakers club system. She was a member of the 2001 Canada Games squad and is now entering her fourth season at Dalhousie University where she has developed into one of their leaders. As a 6’ left side player, Tigers Head coach Kirk Yanofsky says that Stacey has made tremendous progress in the past two seasons. "A main passer and defender, we count on her to deliver the ball on every rotation." She is a calm but intense competitor on the court and in training. Stacey has also been an example in the classroom, improving each year and achieving Academic All-Canadian recognition last season. Yanofsky says "she has progressed each year both on the court and in the classroom and is an excellent example of what hard work and determination can achieve".

Not only are these athletes proud representatives of their respective schools, but also of Nova Scotia. This year, look for them to wreak havoc on CIS competition near you!