College of the Rockies women's Avalanche volleyball team is pleased to announce the signing of Stevie Friesen, a 5 ft., 5 in Libero from Fernie.

"I am super excited to be joining the Avalanche program next season," she said. "I couldn't be happier to have the opportunity to play the sport that I love close to home, alongside the supportive energy in the Avalanche gym. I have grown up attending various camps hosted by Coach Fraser and I know that I am joining a team where I will be able to grow my skills and play at a highly competitive level." 

Born and raised in Fernie, Friesen has participated in many sports including volleyball, soccer, basketball, and competitive swimming. As a grade 12 student at Fernie Secondary School, she has helped her team to win the Kootenay Zone championships and attended the AA senior girls' volleyball provincials in both 2022 and 2023.

At the October Best of the West High School Volleyball Championships, she assisted her team in reaching a top four finish, the highest placing AA school, earning the tournament All Star award while she was at it. Friesen is in her seventh club volleyball season with the Fernie Volleyball Club, continuing as a division 1 team in the Volleyball Alberta League.

"Stevie is an excellent addition to our 2024-2025 roster," said Bryan Fraser, Avalanche women's volleyball coach. "She has quality ball control and is keen to learn and develop into a post secondary libero. Her work ethic is second-to-none, and with her fantastic volleyball IQ, I have no doubt that she's going to become a top player in the PACWEST. Academically, I am thrilled to be adding yet another stellar student with big academic goals to our program."

While attending the College, Friesen will be enrolled in the Associates of Science program with hopes of pursuing a career in a health science related field.