RMC women’s volleyball team introduces 2010-11 freshman class – bright future ahead for the team!
The Paladin volleyball program welcomes six top prospects to join the team in 2010, head coach Carolyn Welden recently announced. The volleyball credentials for this group is impressive indeed. In no particular order: 6-3 middle blocker and setter Chelsey Litjens and Mallory Litjens, 5-9 outside hitter Ariel Berkeley-Brown, and 5-9 outside hitter Danielle Vortisch. Rounding out the 2010 recruiting class is Genevieve Robert and Victoria Young.
When asked about her crop of rookies, Coach Welden had this to say. “The incoming freshman athletes will make an immediate impact to the program. These athletes have passion for our sport and dedication and commitment to Canada and their future in the Canadian Forces”.
Ariel Berkeley Brown, 5-9, Outside Hitter, Cambridge, ON
Ariel comes to RMC after attending Cameron Heights Collegiate Institute, team MVP WCCSAA and CWOSSA champion and finalist. She played club volleyball for K-W Predators, U17 Provincial Champions, U18 ranked 7th at Provincials and U18 Canadian Nationals Tier 1 Bronze Medal.
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Chelsey Litjens, 6-2, Middle Blocker, Ottawa, ON
Mallory Litjens, 6-2 Setter/Middle Blocker, Ottawa, ON
Twin sisters, Chelsey and Mallory join the Paladins after a attending ecole secondaire publique Gisele-Lalonde, where they were both multi sport athletes. They were co-recipients in 2010 for the Outstanding Leadership Award, co-recipients Female Athlete of Year in 2009 and co-captains of their high school volleyball team. Both played club volleyball for the Ottawa Mavericks and competitive soccer for the Cumberland Cobras. The Mavericks program had a strong season achieving 4th at U18 Provincials and a 4th place finish at U18 Canadian Nationals. Father, Henry Litjens graduate in ’86 and a varsity athlete being awarded the Tommy Smart Male Athlete Award during his RMC career.
Danielle Vortisch, 5-9 Outside Hitter, Whitby, ON
Danielle comes to RMC after attending Donald A Wilson Secondary School, and she played club volleyball for the Durham Attack. Dani has received numerous awards since the age of 12 years old such as, Team All Star, Leadership Award, Coach’s Award, and OVA Award of Excellence. During her club career with the Durham Attack she has been the recipient of four medals Provincially and three Canadian National titles.
Genevieve Robert, 5-8 Defensive Specialist, Montreal, PQ
Genevieve joins the Paladins after a two-year playing career at College Andre-Grasset. She has been a successful Beach player and will bring some defensive spirit to the court.
Victoria Young, 5-9 Outside Hitter, Pickering, ON
Vctoria comes to RMC after attending St. Mary Catholic Secondary School. Victoria played for Durham Attack volleyball club and is a multi sport athlete with many accolades in swimming and volleyball. During her club career with the Durham Attack she has been the recipient of four medals Provincially and three Canadian National titles.
To say that this is the best group of (w) volleyball rookies at both the level of their playing experience and their talent level, in the 20 year history of the (w) program would not be an exaggeration. Congratulations to Coach Welden and those who assisted her in the “attractions process”.
Hopes are indeed high that this will the break-through year and our lady volleyball players will win often in OUA competition.
Many of us who enjoy watching this sport are eager to get the season going.
Best of luck ladies.