After standing out in high school and club volleyball, local setter Julie-Ann Sternig caught the attention of staff with the women’s College of the Rockies Avalanche volleyball team.
Her talents managed to land her a spot on the squad last year, and the Cranbrook native, who captured rookie of the year honours at the end of last season, is back for her sophomore year with the club.
Although Sternig could’ve taken her abilities elsewhere, she chose to stay close to home.
“Coming to the College of the Rockies allowed me to stay in my hometown and to still continue to play volleyball,” said Sternig.
Sternig has hopes of becoming a psychologist as she is currently enrolled in university transfer courses while en route to a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Agata Bendkowska, who coaches the women’s team from the sidelines, likes what she sees with Sternig’s skill sets.
“Julie is a very smart individual on and off the court,” Bendkowska said. “She has a great work ethic and works well with her teammates. She cares about her team and plays as hard as she can.”
The team has struggled a bit, but is working hard to prepare for the provincial Pacwest tournament, which the Avs are hosting at the end of the season.
But the team has had a taste of success in the preseason and on their first road trip, which Sternig credits as a highlight of the season.
“My favourite experience so far was winning two of our four games on our first road trip of the season,” Sternig said.