Langley’s Avery Heppell is joining the Trinity Western women’s volleyball team.
The six-foot-three Heppell can play both middle and right-side.
“Avery brings a lot of size to the floor. She’s tall and physical and for a woman with her height, she has some of the best ball-control that I’ve seen,” said Spartans coach Ryan Hofer.
“She has an incredible work ethic and I’m excited to see how she develops in our gym. She’s really versatile and can play a few different positions and I’m looking forward to see how she will impact our program.”
Heppell graduated from Langley Fundamental in June.
With Force Volleyball Club, Heppell earned two provincial gold medals and one silver medal. She also won a silver medal at the 17U national championships.
“I chose to play for Trinity Western because of the amazing school and community that exists,” Heppell said. “They also have a great business program and obviously the volleyball program is excellent.”
The Spartans have also signed Ansah Odoom (Surrey) and Dora Komlodi (Calgary).
And while one Langley athlete remains close to home for post-secondary athletics, another is travelling all the way across the country.
Langley Christian’s Christian Christie is joining the St. Thomas University Tommies men’s volleyball team for the fall.
The six-foot-four middle blocker grew up in Nova Scotia before moving to Langley.
Last fall, Christie helped the Langley Christian High School volleyball team win the BC Senior Boys ‘AA’ provincial title. During club season, Christie plays for the Fraser Valley Volleyball Club, helping capture the 18U provincial title.
Tommies head coach Henri Mallet is excited to have Christie join the program.
“Christian is a versatile athlete that can play many positions for us,” Mallet said. “Coming from one of the best clubs in the country, he has a high volleyball IQ and he will help our program the minute he steps on campus.”
Christie is anxiously waiting for his university volleyball career to begin.
“I’ve only heard amazing things about the university. Pair that with the chance to continue playing volleyball at the next level and the offer was something I couldn’t pass up. I can’t wait to get on campus, to meet the other players, and to get started,” he said.