Volleyball fosters a strong sense of camaraderie among players because it requires teamwork and coordination to score. It is built on the simple rule that no player can touch the ball twice in a row, known as a double contact.
NAIT's women's volleyball team is no exception. With a new season ahead, there are many exciting storylines for fans to follow. This year's roster is a diverse mix of athletes at different stages in their academic and athletic journeys. The team includes three first-years, two transfers, and a blend of second-, third-, fourth-, and fifth-year players. Head coach Erminia Russo Thorpe explains that this is quite different from three years ago, when the team was much younger. At that time, her focus was on building a succession plan to develop the program for the long term, especially since many NAIT programs span only two to three years.
Among the talented roster, several players are expected to lead the way this season.
Rachel Mallett, a second-year outside hitter, was named last year's ACAC North Rookie of the Year and continues to impress with her consistent performance.
Tanisha McQueen is another standout athlete who has worked tirelessly to overcome injuries and return to peak form. Coach Russo notes that when Tanisha is at her best, she can be one of the top blockers in the ACAC.
Makenna Doyle has shown tremendous versatility — originally joining the team as an outside hitter, she has adapted to play effectively on both the left and right sides. Versatility, Coach Russo adds, is a valuable trait that's difficult to master.
Lastly, setters Lexi Gedny and Casey Gilmour play a crucial role in setting up the offense, delivering the ball to hitters, and facilitating scoring opportunities. Their skill, precision, and vision make them key contributors on the court.
Having such a talented roster also means balancing individual ambition with team goals. While athletes are encouraged to pursue personal development, they are also reminded that success comes from working together. The team's ultimate goal is to become one of the top programs in the ACAC, a goal that requires every player to stay committed and embrace the positive competition that drives improvement. Supporting one another, rather than focusing solely on individual performance, helps each athlete become part of something greater and fosters a sense of selfless teamwork.
For highly competitive athletes, it can be challenging to recognize that their contributions extend beyond time spent on the court. However, Coach Russo Thorpe emphasizes that every role matters and each player brings unique skills and strengths that are essential to the team's success.
Ultimately, the program's philosophy centers on helping each athlete reach their full potential. As Coach Russo Thorpe explains,
"When you leave this program, did you become the best player that you could have been? If you improve collectively, the whole team improves — and you were recruited for a reason."
Her coaching approach combines hard work with enjoyment, encouraging players to have fun, relieve stress, and find balance amid the demands of academic life.
It's clear that the NAIT women's volleyball team embodies not just technical excellence but also emotional resilience, teamwork, and passion — values that make this group a true reflection of what it means to be an Ook. The Ooks hit the court to kick off their season at home on Friday, October 17th at 6 PM.