A familiar face has joined the 2014-2015 Canada West recruiting class for the Brandon University women’s volleyball team with the addition of homegrown product Hope Schneider.
"It’s amazing that I’ve been given the opportunity, a second chance to play in the CIS and play for my hometown and wear that Bobcat jersey. It’s an honour and a privilege," Schneider told CKLQ’s Tyler Crayston. "To be at home, I’ve got friends and family there. I’m very excited to be a part of the Bobcat organization."
Schneider has three years left of eligibility and transfers to BU from the Winnipeg Wesmen where she took on a starting role as a rookie in 2012-2013.
"When Hope contacted us with the interest of returning home, we welcomed her with open arms," said coach Lee Carter. "She’s an older player on the bench and working out and she’s a competitor. She makes people around her better. She’s a great glue type kid that you have on the team that really does whatever you need to make your program better."
Schneider will provide depth at the setter position with former Crocus Plainsmen high school teammate Mary Thomson expected to assume the starting role with the graduation of captain Kellie Baker while Dauphin’s Savannah Guttman goes into her freshman year after red-shirting this past season.
"I don’t have high expectations; I just expect to come in and work hard and get back in it because I’ve been off for a year. It’s kind of like riding a bike, just get back on it," said Schneider.
Schneider joins NCAA women’s volleyball transfer Courtney Roberts of Brandon, Neelin standout Jamie Campbell and Winnipeg high school stars Sara Barker and Nikki Majewski as newcomers to the Lady ‘Cats for next season.
"For me it’s getting back into a routine and being able to compete, which has been a large part of my life is sport," added Schneider.
Hope’s brother Dustin won a CIS championship and earned all-Canadian honours during his university career at the U-of-W and is a member of the Canadian national team.
Her other brother Mark is a former WHLer with the Wheat Kings and Regina Pats and is now suiting up with the Regina Cougars while dad Ken is a former Wheat Kings’ captain and coaches the Brandon ‘AAA’ Midget team.
