The University of the Fraser Valley women’s volleyball has snagged a pair of local products as its first two Class of 2018 recruits: Kristen McBride and Alysha Cooper.
McBride, a 5’11” left side, hails from Mission, while Cooper, a 6’0” middle, is from Burnaby. They’re set to join the Cascades in the fall of 2018.
Cascades head coach Mike Gilray was elated to secure commitments from the blue-chip duo well in advance of their high school graduations.
“For recruits to commit that early, it shows we have everything from the academic side to the athletic side in place,” said Gilray, whose squad is currently No. 7 in the CCAA national rankings. “It’s a compliment to what our university brings to the table.
“These were both athletes who were looking at U SPORTS programs, possibly going away, and they chose to stay and be a part of our league and our school because of the athletes we have here.
“Our recruiting class last year was very strong, and they see those girls around them and the direction our program is going in.”
McBride is coming off a standout campaign with her Mission Secondary squad, earning a second team all-star nod at the recent B.C. AAAA high school championships after helping the Roadrunners to a seventh-place finish.
She has also had tremendous success on the summer club scene – she won a national U16 title with Team B.C. Blue, and was a provincial club all-star the past two seasons with the Fraser Valley Volleyball Club.
Gilray loves the size and versatile skill set that McBride brings to the table.
“We’re really excited to bring Kristen in – it’s something we’ve been working on for over a year,” he said.
“She knew (current Cascade and fellow Mission product) Kara Williams, and there’s been constant contact.
“It’s funny – people ask me what I’m looking for in recruiting, and I constantly joke about wanting a 6’ 1” outside hitter who passes dimes. She’s not quite 6’ 1”, but she’s got great size for an outside hitter and she has great ball control.”
Beyond her future exploits on the volleyball court, McBride plans to pursue an arts degree at UFV.
“It just felt like a really good fit,” she said. “Talking with Mike, it felt like I was supposed to be on the team. It’s really nice to stay close to home.”
Cooper, like McBride, was part of the Team B.C. provincial program at the U16 level, suiting up for B.C. Red.
She won a bronze medal at U18 club provincials this past summer with BCO Volleyball Club, and she has earned team MVP honours at Burnaby Central every year since Grade 9.
She’ll also pursue an arts degree at UFV.
“The bond with the coaches and the team was really strong,” Cooper said, explaining her decision to sign with the Cascades.
“Coming for the campus tour, I just felt at home – not only in the gym, but on campus.”
For more on the team, visit ufvcascades.ca.