THUNDER BAY – LU SPORTS – Catherine Klassen, a 6′ right side from Cypress River, Manitoba has confirmed her commitment to Lakehead Women’s Volleyball.
Klassen brings an impressive resume, including membership on the perennial national 18U contenders, Shock Volleyball Club out of Winnipeg.
Catherine’s development over her high school and club seasons has been nothing short of consistent, and after graduating from Glenboro High School, she plans to make the trek to Thunder Bay and Lakehead’s School of Nursing.
“I’ve watched Catherine play for a few years now, and know that she’s an athlete with a well developed base, that we can take much further,” says Lakehead coach Chris Green. “She’s the type of athlete who’s game is on track to mature and will contribute to our training system.”
Klassen has played volleyball for Killarney volleyball club and Cats volleyball club over the past 3 years, and currently travels 4 times a week to Winnipeg to play for Shock VC, coached by Mike Burchuk and Chelsea Needham.
As Coach Burchuk states, “Catherine has a great ethic and has made significant strides in her skill development during the past 3 months. She’s an extremely competitive athlete who sets very high standards for herself. If she continues on her current pace, she has the potential to become a solid university player.”
Catherine Klassen is a MHSAA Single ‘A’ All-star 2013, MVP 2014, MHSAA graduating All-star and a member of the Shock Volleyball Program, which is nationally accredited with Volleyball Canada.
Shock VC assistant coach Chelsea Needham adds,”Catherine was a great addition to the 18U Shock team this year. She is a hard working, dedicated, and determined player who will do anything it takes to help improve her game. She is extremely coachable and will be a positive addition for the Lakehead University team.”
Catherine Klassen was struck by Lakehead’s campus environment and the welcoming nature, saying ”I’m very excited to be attending Lakehead University this upcoming fall! The campus is beautiful, offers a well-respected Nursing faculty and Coach Green runs an excellent volleyball program. The members of the team were very welcoming and supportive which made my decision easy. I’m looking forward to becoming a member of the LU Thunderwolves Family!”
Coach Green concluded, “I know that Catherine’s in great hands with the final push of her development with an international caliber coach like Mike Burchuk and his assistant Chelsea Needham. We know that following Shock VC’s summer season, Catherine will have all the tools to make an impact here with us in the OUA. We welcome her as a teammate, athlete and student at Lakehead!”
