College of the Rockies women's Avalanche volleyball team have signed Olivia Harder, a 5ft 10 inch Outside Hitter from St-Pierre Jolys, Manitoba for the 2024/25 season.

"I'm very excited to be joining the Avalanche family next year." Harder said. "After visiting everything felt just right. I loved the atmosphere and the energy in the gym, and I know I'm joining a really good group of girls. I've always wanted to live in BC, so getting the opportunity to continue my academics and the sport that I love in the Rocky Mountains is something I couldn't be more excited for. The amazing coaching staff and program Coach Bryan has created is something I am really looking forward to."

Harder, who currently is in her final year at École communautaire Réal-Berard, started her volleyball career with the Winnipeg-based Dynamo Volleyball Club where she helped lead her 14u team to an undefeated season. During her 17u season, she made the switch over to the Bandits Volleyball club, where she was named co-captain. She earned a roster spot with Team Manitoba and competed at the Canada Cup. She will play her final season with the 18u Bandits Volleyball Club before making the jump to the PACWEST.

"We are super excited that Olivia decided to sign with us for next season." Said Coach Bryan Fraser. "She attended our High-Performance camp in August and was one of the top athletes during the camp. She works hard, has excellent fundamentals, and has a fun but competitive demeaner on the court. I'm excited to watch her develop into a post secondary athlete who can make an impact with her power and creativity. She has clear academic aspirations and is a perfect fit to join our program."

While at the College, Olivia will be enrolled in the Criminal and Social Justice program with future plans of working with the RCMP and becoming a special crimes detective.