U of Regina Women's Volleyball: Cougars add Hack, Watkins for 2012-13

Cougars add Hack, Watkins for 2012-13

REGINA, Sask. – University of Regina women’s volleyball head coach Melanie Sanford announced Thursday that outside hitter Shelby Hack and middle blocker Kaitlin Watkins have both committed to the Cougars for the 2012-13 season.

Hack hails from Kipling, but moved to Regina this year to attend Dr. Martin LeBoldus HS. She had an immediate impact with LeBoldus, being named an RHSAA all-star and leading the Golden Suns to an undefeated league record and a provincial 5A championship.

“Shelby is a highly recruited player and the best outside hitter to come out of the province this year,” Sanford said. “She can contribute in the back court with her passing skills and we are definitely looking forward to her offensive contribution as an outside hitter. We feel that Shelby will provide leadership and passion for us on the court.”

Hack is also a two-time provincial championship winner with the Cougar Volleyball Club, winning in both 2010 and 2011. She also has experience at the provincial level, winning a bronze medal with Team Saskatchewan at the Western Canada Summer Games in Kamloops, B.C. earlier this year.

“I chose the University of Regina because it had everything I was looking for, including an extremely strong education program,” Hack said. “I’m extremely excited to join the Cougars and I know that the coaching staff will help me take my game to the next level.”

Watkins is from Saskatoon and will graduate from St. Joseph HS in June. She won 5A city championships with the Guardians in both 2009 and 2011 and also plays with the Jeff’s Crestwear Volleyball Club in Saskatoon.

“Kaitlin is an outstanding middle blocker who plays an aggressive style,” Sanford said. “She is a fiery competitor that will add some quality depth in the middle for us.”

Watkins also has provincial experience, playing with Saskatchewan at the U16 level at the 2010 Western Elite Volleyball Championships.

“The U of R has an outstanding volleyball program with outstanding coaching and I felt it was the best fit for me both academically and athletically,” Watkins said. “I look forward to beginning my post-secondary education and contributing to the success of the volleyball team.”

Hack plans to enroll in the Faculty of Education at the U of R, while Watkins will major in human justice through the Faculty of Arts.

2012-13 UNIVERSITY OF REGINA WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL RECRUITING CLASS
OH Shelby Hack – 6’0” – 1st – Kipling, Sask. (Dr. Martin LeBoldus HS)
MB Kaitlin Watkins – 6’0” – 1st – Saskatoon, Sask. (St. Joseph HS)