Kodiaks WVB introduces four recruits

Nov. 24, 2020 – The Lethbridge College Kodiaks women’s volleyball team may not have any conference action to look forward to this season, however, head coach Anna Schwark is still excited about the positive direction her program is headed. 

A big part of that optimism is due to an exciting crop of rookies that have joined the Kodiaks roster this fall: Taryn Bach, Lindsay Nunn, Alyssa Pavka and Sarah Soderstrom. 

Although the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) season was recently cancelled due to the pandemic, the recruits have been able to practice with their team as a cohort for the past two months. This has allowed Schwark a glimpse of what each player brings to the table, and she’s been impressed with what she’s seen so far. The recruits are profiled below, complete with insights from Schwark and the student-athletes themselves. 

Sarah Soderstrom

Hometown: Cranbrook, B.C.

Position: Middle  

For Sarah Soderstrom, the journey towards joining Lethbridge College began at the Kodiaks High School Tournament two years ago. 

“We first noticed Sarah as a Grade 11 athlete at our own tournament,” says Schwark. “Her strength and athleticism really caught our eye right off the bat.”

A towering presence in the middle, Schwark notes Soderstrom compliments her strong physical attributes with a positive attitude, a combination that should help her find success at the post-secondary level.

“Other than what Sarah offers physically, my favourite quality about her is her dedication to being a hard worker every single day,” says Schwark. “She is a great communicator during gameplay which I love as well, and I think she will be a very successful middle in the ACAC.”

Joining the Kodiaks and playing post-secondary volleyball is the realization of a lifelong dream for Soderstrom, one she says is the result of lots of hard work. “It was my all-time goal to achieve playing volleyball in post-secondary,” she says.  

Joining a new team in the midst of a pandemic is certainly a unique situation, but Soderstrom says the team has made the best of it so far.

“It’s definitely a challenge, but having said that, having a team environment has made things incredible,” says Soderstrom. “I’ve got to meet so many people and I love my coach and my teammates. Everyone brings such great energy.” 

Lindsay Nunn

Hometown: Canmore, Alta.

Position: Left side  

With a couple months of practice under her belt, Lindsay Nunn has already made a strong impression on her new coach.

“Lindsay comes from a very disciplined program so we knew she would come in ready to hustle and be serious about her training,” says Schwark. “Lindsay’s back row play impressed us initially but seeing her train has allowed us to really see how she utilizes her strengths on offense as well.”

Schwark says it’s exciting to see a first-year student-athlete display a high level of maturity, which includes being willing to try new things to improve her game.

“She is a very intelligent hitter who’s able to use the block effectively,” says Schwark. “It’s always exciting to meet a first-year who is eager to try new things and get creative to score.”

Hoping to stay close to her southern Alberta roots, Nunn saw Lethbridge College as an ideal fit to pursue playing volleyball at the post-secondary level.

“My club coach and my high school coach both recommended that I go here,” says Nunn. “They just thought it would be a good fit for me and I didn't want to go that far away from home, so I thought this was a good fit for me.”

On the court, Nunn says she takes pride in her strong defensive play and tries to provide an encouraging attitude for her teammates.

“Out of all the aspects of how I play, my defence is a strength for me,” says Nunn. “I'm very positive, I really like seeing my teammates succeed.”

When asked how she’s fitting into the Kodiaks culture, Nunn says she’s already loving her new team environment.

“I love it,” she says. “I feel like I got along with everyone really well right away and they're really welcoming. I'm really glad that I came here to Lethbridge.”

Alyssa Pavka

Hometown: Taber

Position: Libero

A graduate of the local Panthers Volleyball Club, Schwark says she has been keenly watching Pavka’s progression for quite some time.

“We had been watching Alyssa make her way through the Panthers club for a few years now, describes Schwark. “Right off the bat we knew she had an attitude we needed for our team. Alyssa works very hard, which a lot of athletes can do, but she always has a smile on her face while she does it.”

On the court, Schwark has noticed Pavka has a propensity for quick and smart decision making, especially on the defensive side off the ball.

“Physically, she moves on the floor really well and she is able to make quick decisions during difficult plays on defence,” says Schwark. “This quality will really benefit the team and make us better on offense.”

After watching the Kodiaks over the past number of seasons, Pavka knew it was a team environment she wanted to be a part of. 

“I grew up watching this team and I just love what they're all about,” says Pavka, who played her high school volleyball for St. Mary’s School in Taber. “I really thought this is a place where I could come and thrive and find my place.”

Pavka says the first practices with her new team have already provided an amazing experience.

“Everyone is super welcoming, which was really nice as we have quite a few rookies, so it was like not as scary as I expected it to be,” laughs Pavka. “Everyone is super determined and competitive so we're always getting better while still having fun.”

Taryn Bach

Hometown: Lethbridge

Position: Setter 

During her time at Chinook High School, Bach aspired to become a Kodiak. Now, she’s made good on that dream and is relishing her new opportunity at Lethbridge College.

“I've been watching this group of girls for the past four years now. I went to every game so it's really a cool feeling to finally be a part of it this year,” says Bach. “Joining the team is everything I could have imagined and a bit more. The girls are super awesome.”

Schwark had no shortage of opportunities to watch Bach play in high school and came away impressed with her approach to playing the setter position.

“We noted Taryn a few years ago and continued to watch her throughout high school,” says Schwark. “My favourite thing about Taryn is her intelligence as a setter. She is always aware of her surroundings and she isn’t afraid to try new things. She is able to run a high-paced offense which is what we are really trying to achieve this year. In training sessions, I’ve really come to appreciate her love for the game and excitement to get better everyday.”

Bach notes that witnessing the Kodiaks positive culture played a huge part in her decision to join Lethbridge College.

“I just love the atmosphere in this gym,” says Bach. “I feel like it's my family in here. I’m just super excited for some competition and to experience it when things get back to normal.”