Tamara Barth, a 5'8" outside hitter from Cochrane, Alberta has committed to College of the Rockies' Avalanche women's volleyball team for the 2018-2019 season.
Tamara has had a very successful past two years at Bow Valley High school receiving an all-star award in grade 11 and becoming recognized as her team's most valuable player this past season. A part of the Canuck Volleyball Club for three years, Tamara helped lead her team to a 3rd place finish in Division 2 while receiving individual honors as a tournament all-star at the 2018 Volleyball Alberta Provincial Championships.
Tamara is a recent recipient of the Saxton Volleyball Scholarship, awarded to exceptional individuals who have become role models for other athletes through their consistent pursuit of excellence in teamwork, leadership, commitment and perseverance. Recipients must show a strong work ethic in both practice and game environments, demonstrate good sportsmanship, a positive attitude and have a good academic record. Tamara currently holds a 3.0 GPA.
"I was very honoured and grateful to receive the Saxton Volleyball Scholarship but I don't feel like I can take all the credit," Tamara says. "I owe a lot to the hard work my coaches have put into my development as well as the development of my teammates."
After visiting the College's Cranbrook campus in mid-April, Tamara is excited to join the Avalanche team. "I loved the overall feel of the College and the other girls on the team," she adds. While playing with the Avs, Tamara will be taking the University Studies program with aspirations of enrolling in thenursing program in the future.
"Tamara was someone we had identified as a potential player for our program based on an initial recruiting trip made early in the spring semester," says Avalanche women's head coach John Swanson. "Having had the pleasure of watching and meeting with her during a Premiere 2 Club volleyball tournament, it was evident to me that she had many of the qualities we look for in a potential recruit."
"Tamara plays the game with an unmatched energy and enthusiasm," he continues. "She is comfortable and excels in her role of being her team's leader through her physical skills and vocal presence. She is also an extremely respectful and humble individual and knows that hard work and dedication to the game will be required to succeed at the collegiate level."
Tamara is a multi-position volleyball player having played both the setting and, more recently, the power positions. As the consummate team player she is willing to play any role with the Avalanche that will best help the team.
The men's and women's Avalanche volleyball teams both begin exhibition play in September.