College of the Rockies women's Avalanche volleyball program has signed Abi Gruenhage, a five ft. 10 in. outside hitter from Lethbridge, Alberta.
Gruenhage, a student at Chinook High School, has been captain of her school's senior varsity team in both her junior and senior year. She received Southern Alberta Volleyball Club's MVP in her junior year, first team all-star in her senior year, and was named the Chinook High School Female Athlete of the Year from 2015 to 2018. As a member of the Panther Volleyball Club, Gruenhage saw her team place fifth in the division one provincial in 2018.
"Abi has been on our recruiting radar since she was in grade 11," said women's Avalanche coach John Swanson. "She left an impression at one of our ID camps for her natural athletic ability and eagerness to learn, all while sporting a cast on her broken wrist. Abi plays with determination and her ability to elevate her skills in her block and spike approach means she will be able to transition to the collegiate level of play more quickly."
While at College of the Rockies, Gruenhage will be enrolled in University Studies - Science courses with a focus on biology. She hopes to complete a Bachelor of Science degree.
"I wanted to play volleyball at College of the Rockies because I love the smaller classes and the campus," Gruenhage said. "I'm excited to play in the PACWEST conference and compete at a higher level."
College of the Rockies Avalanche will be hosting the PACWEST Provincial Championships from February 21 to 24. Learn more about Avalanche volleyball at: cotr.ca/avalanche