Mallory McCormick, a 6-0 all-star middle hitter from Regina, Saskatchewan, has signed to play her collegiate volleyball next season at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. UAF head coach Phil Shoemaker made the announcement today.
"I think Mallory is going to be a very, very solid player. She is well trained and has benefited greatly from her considerable athletic experiences," said Shoemaker, who has been aware of McCormick for two years.
"I heard a lot of good things about Coach (Phil) Shoemaker and a lot about the program. Even though I haven't been to Fairbanks, yet, I think playing at UAF will be a real adventure," said McCormick. "I considered going to Jamestown State, Valley City State and the University of Regina. However, I think UAF presents the best opportunity for me to play volleyball at the collegiate level."
McCormick has had a fine prep career. She has been a member of the Saskatchewan Provincial Volleyball Team for each of the past two seasons and was named a volleyball all-star in 2002 and 2003 by the Regina High School Athletic Association.
Her Saskatchewan Provincial Team competed in the Western Canada Summer Games and the National Championships in 2003. McCormick's club team, Regina Radz, finished fifth at the Canadian Western National Championships and just earned another trip to the national championships this past weekend when the Radz won the Provincial Championship. McCormick was named the team's Most Valuable Player in 2003.
"Mallory is a good physical athlete that will really blossom as she matures and trains in our program. All reports are that she possesses a great work ethic and "team first" personality. Those are traits that may be tough to measure, but are certainly very important," said Shoemaker. "We are very pleased and excited, and I know she is too, for her to join the UAF team."
The Nanooks, who lost the services of right side hitter Candice Smith to graduation, finished the 2003-04 season with a 13-10 overall record and a 10-8 slate in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference.
"It's going to be a little scary, but I think it will be cool," said McCormick. "I am looking forward to coming up there and doing whatever I can to contribute to the team's success. I would like to eventually earn a starting position, but that's not the most important thing."
-30-
