College of the Rockies' women's Avalanche volleyball program has signed Hannah Zurakowski, a 5 ft. 8 in. setter from Calgary, Alberta for the 2023/2024 season. 

Zurakowski attended Western Canada High School in Calgary, where she and her team went on to win the 4A high school provincial championship in her grade 12 year. She also played club volleyball with the MRU Cougars Volleyball Club for several years. Currently a student at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology where she is completing an Animal Health Technology diploma, Zurakowski played for the NAIT Ooks volleyball team.

Her experience with beach volleyball prepared Zurakowski  to also play as a right side and libero during both her high school and NAIT women's volleyball career. She received the Rookie of the Year Award in 2021/2022 and continued to be an asset in various positions for her team the following year. Off the court, you can find Hannah hiking, dirt biking or gardening.

While at the College, Zurakowski plans to balance her commitment to the Avs, with an Environment Studies certificate, and working as a registered veterinary technician.

"I am very excited to be playing with the COTR women's volleyball team next season," Zurakowski said. "Cranbrook has always been a second home to me, and now I get to continue playing the sport I love in a beautiful town with a talented group of women. Coach Fraser has built a strong foundation for the women's volleyball program, and I look forward to improving my abilities under his guidance!"

Coach Brian Fraser looks forward to the strengths Zurakowski will bring to the team.

"Hannah will be joining us after three years playing in the ACAC with NAIT," he said. "She will be bringing both experience and passion for volleyball with her, and I am happy to have her joining us next season. Hannah is a determined athlete and will fit right in with our group of hard-working individuals. Academically she is quite good and will be a great leader for our younger athletes coming, helping guide her teammates to a successful season on and off the court."

The women's and men's Avalanche teams will return to the court when pre-season competition begins in September.