Olds College Broncos excited for latest volleyball recruits

A five-foot-10 middle who can also play on the outside, Jovic cites her energy and positivity as her biggest strengths on the court.

“I am most looking forward to meeting new people and becoming part of an excellent program, an amazing team, and to be able to compete at a post-secondary level,” she said. “I am also excited to learn about my teammates and the school.”

Broncos head coach Rhonda Schmuland is keen to integrate Jovic into the team.

“[Maya’s] athleticism, hard work, and competitiveness are going to be important pieces to our program’s success as we build throughout our coming season,” Schmuland said.

Meanwhile, Sandini profiles as a five-foot-nine outside hitter who can also play libero. She’s also enjoyed success with St. Thomas More, capturing back-to-back Catholic championships, with Sandini being named a tournament all-star in 2018 en route to an eventual third-place finish in the BC AA high school provincial championships.

Her skills also translate outdoors, with a third-place finish in beach volleyball at the 2018 BC Summer Games.

Sandini is excited about coming to Olds in the fall.

“The community was really nice,” she said. “I was always getting more information about it daily, and it got me more interested.”

Sandini is eager to begin her post-secondary career with a familiar face in Jovic.

“It means a lot,” she said of continuing to play with Jovic. “We’ve had a long journey together, and I’m excited to see what comes next.”

Schmuland sees Sandini becoming a stabilizing force on the court for the Broncos.

“She is going to help bring consistency to our serve receive, and she will strongly add to our defensive presence in the ACAC,” she said.

Meantime, the men’s volleyball team is excited for their latest recruit, Phillip Sutherland, a setter from Peguis First Nation, Man.

The six-foot-five Sutherland, who will study Business Management this fall, joins Ryzen Walkingbear (Thunderchild, Sask.) as announced members of the Broncos’ 2019-20 recruiting class, with more to come.

“There’s this culture within Olds that you feel on campus, a lot of the programs in the institution provides a lot of help towards their students with their studies,” he said. “It’s a great thing to see an institution care about their students as far as to help them succeed in their academics.”

Broncos head coach Ryan Marsden is looking forward to having Sutherland’s experience in the fold.

“He played at a high club level in Manitoba, and now with being older, he brings maturity and responsibility,” he said. “Phillip will be very good as he touches the ball more and more, as he is big and strong.”

Sutherland comes to the Broncos after a decorated youth career that included two provincial medals in club competition (one gold, one bronze) and a provincial high school championship.

He also has experience playing on a bigger stage, winning a silver medal as part of Manitoba’s under-16 team at the 2014 North American Indigenous Games in Regina, then captaining Manitoba’s under-19 team at the 2017 Games in Toronto, which also featured current Broncos Thundersky Walkingbear and Tyler Donnally playing for Saskatchewan.

Sutherland is excited to get started in Olds, and he believes the men’s volleyball Broncos will have a completely different look this fall.

“I’m the type of person that will do whatever it takes to help the team win.

“We want to turn this program around together, to spark a light in men’s volleyball in Olds. I want to be part of something historical with Coach Marsden, his staff and the team.”

(Olds College Broncos media releases)

by rdnewsNOW staff

Olds College Broncos excited for latest volleyball recruits

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