College of the Rockies' women's Avalanche volleyball program has signed Katelyn Ostapovich, a 5 ft 8 in. outside hitter from Regina, Saskatchewan for the 2021/2022 season.
Ostapovich, a senior at Winston Knoll Collegiate has been competing in volleyball since the seventh grade. She moved into competitive volleyball in grade 8, further developing her love, dedication, and passion for the game.
In addition to being a part of the junior girls' City Finals with her high school, Ostapovich was awarded player of the tournament and was named MVP for the season in her senior year. In grade 11, she travelled to Cuba to train with the Cuban women's volleyball team where she also volunteered at local orphanages.
Looking to advance her performance and skills, Ostapovich played with the Stealth Volleyball club and competed internationally, including in the Las Vegas Classic, making it into the silver pool in 2020. As part of her on-going conditioning routine, she regularly plays beach volleyball, participating in the Volleyball Canada Regional Excellence Program (VCREP).
"Katelyn is going to add a lot of value to our women's volleyball program both in terms of her academic determination, and with her strong work ethic and desire to improve on the volleyball court," said Bryan Fraser, Avalanche women's coach. "We are always on the lookout for athletes like Katelyn as we continue to build a culture based on passion for volleyball and a willingness to do what it takes to win games and championships. I am very excited to begin working with Katelyn come September 1st. "
Ostapovich will balance her commitment to the team with studies in the College's Kinesiology program.
"I chose College of the Rockies because of the opportunity to play and train with elite athletes and coaches, pursue a great education in Kinesiology which has been a dream for me, and to enjoy the beautiful Rocky Mountain atmosphere ", Ostapovich said. "I'm looking forward to being pushed past my limits and excelling at volleyball while also creating bonds with a new sports family. I am thrilled and honored to become a part of the Avalanche women's volleyball team, which brings great excitement to my volleyball journey."
All PACWEST intercollegiate competition was suspended during the 2020/21 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. College of the Rockies' Avalanche players continue to train in anticipation of the return of competitive action.