Canadian volleyball all star signs with Nanooks

Submitted by Carla Browning
Phone: (907) 474-7778
04/20/04

Mallory McCormick, a 6-0 all-star middle hitter from Regina, Saskatchewan, has signed to play her collegiate volleyball next season at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

"I think Mallory is going to be a very, very solid player," said UAF Head Coach Phil Shoemaker. " She is well trained and has benefited greatly from her considerable athletic experiences. "There aren’t a lot of athletes who can truly excel in multiple sports, yet Mallory has."

"I heard a lot of good things about Coach (Phil) Shoemaker and a lot about the program. Even though I haven’t been to Fairbanks, yet, I think playing at UAF will be a real adventure," said McCormick. "I considered going to Jamestown State, Valley City State and the University of Regina. However, I think UAF presents the best opportunity for me to play volleyball at the collegiate level."

McCormick, who also plays basketball for her Balfour Collegiate High School Team, has had a fine prep career. She has been a member of the Saskatchewan Provincial Volleyball Team for each of the past two seasons and was named a volleyball all-star in 2002 and 2003 by the Regina High School Athletic Association.

Her Saskatchewan Provincial Team competed in the Western Canada Summer Games and the National Championships in 2003. McCormick’s club team, Regina Radz, finished fifth at the Canadian Western National Championships and just earned another trip to the national championships this past weekend when the Radz won the Provincial Championship. McCormick was named the team’s Most Valuable Player in 2003.

"Mallory is a good physical athlete that will really blossom as she matures and trains in our program. All reports are that she possesses a great work ethic and "team first" personality. Those are traits that may be tough to measure, but are certainly very important," said Shoemaker. "We are very pleased and excited, and I know she is too, for her to join the UAF team."

McCormick’s athletic ability allows her to shine in other sports, including basketball. As the starting post player on her high school team, McCormick led the Balfour Redmen to a 35-0 record last season, including the Provincial Championship. McCormick, who has been selected to four straight elite provincial basketball camps, has helped Balfour to three consecutive city titles and a four-year 60-3 overall record.

The Nanooks, who lost the services of right side hitter Candice Smith to graduation, finished the 2003-04 season with a 13-10 overall record and a 10-8 slate in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference.

For more information contact Sports Information Director Scott Wilson at (907) 474-6807 or e-mail fnsaw@uaf.edu.

"It’s going to be a little scary, but I think it will be cool," said McCormick. "I am looking forward to coming up there and doing whatever I can to contribute to the team’s success. I would like to eventually earn a starting position, but that’s not the most important thing."