Lady Spartan set to join Clippers
Mario Prusina
Times Editor
After a successful high school volleyball career, Mikayla Reinhardt is taking her skills to the next level.
The 5’11” outside hitter from the Strathmore Spartans program has committed to joining the ACAC’s Briercrest College Clippers for the 2011-2012 season.
“I was ecstatic – I was shaking,” said Reinhardt after accepting the school’s offer. “I went to stay at the campus for a couple of days during exam break and I met all the girls and all the coaches and they were really, really great. One of the girls is even taking the education program that I’m interested in, so she pretty much told me what it was about and it really helped me.
“It was mostly the people (there) that helped make my decision.”
Reinhardt entertained the thought of going to other schools, but at the end of the day, she felt that Briercrest was the best fit for her.
Last season, the Clippers finished the season with a 6-14 record, good enough for 11th place in the ACAC.
According to their head coach, Reinhardt will be a welcome addition to their program.
“Mikayla is bringing a lot of great things to our program. I see her making a big contribution to our team with her offensive ability – she has the ability to terminate rallies and hit with consistency,” said Briercrest Clippers coach Nolan Weinmaster in a press release. “She also has strong ball control and great court movement … I really like her positive attitude, work ethic, and that she is someone who wants to continue to develop the great character that has been instilled in her from growing up in a great family.”
“She is a perfect fit for our program here at Briercrest and someone who will be a key part in continuing to build a championship program. I am really looking forward to being her coach.”
According to Reinhardt, she first fell in love with the sport in elementary school.
“In Grade 6, our school (played) a class against class,” she recalled. “I guess I got really competitive when my team won and I fell in love with the sport.
“When you get a point (you cheer), by the end of the game, you won’t have a voice – that’s the way it should be.”
In Grade 7, Reinhardt joined the Wheatland Aces Club Volleyball program, coached by Randy and Susan Moncks. She continued playing both school and club volleyball right up to this season.
During her time at Strathmore High School, Reinhardt was coached by Louise Bleier.
Last season, she was coached by both Bleier and Randy Moncks.
Reinhardt was named the MVP for the Lady Spartans in her Grade 11 season and was selected as the team captain in Grade 12.
“(They prepared me) so much. I owe a lot to those two – they were definitely stepping stones for my career,” she said. “I really, really love them for that.”