Moncks gets the nod for FISU Games

Justin Seward
Times Reporter

 

Standard’s Kristen Moncks has seen a lot of success in her volleyball career but it was raised to a whole new level when she was chosen to represent Team Canada at the International University Sports Federation games in South Korea.
The rising star ended her Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) career off with a Canada West title and a national championship this past season with the Trinity Western University Spartans.
“I’ve been out here for three years and this was my last year and it’s been incredible,” said Moncks. “Being able to end my three years with two gold medals was pretty amazing. It was definitely rewarding.”
Other achievements included Rookie of the Year at Medicine Hat College while she also broke the ACAC volleyball dig record in the same year.
In her second year she was awarded the ACAC All Canadian, followed by the CanWest Libero of the Year.
She is hoping to transfer these accomplishments into helping Team Canada win gold.
“I’ve put a lot of hours into volleyball, that would be a big factor,” said Moncks. “My passion for the game, I think that shows through my play and can help me at this level.”
Team Canada has assigned her to be either a libero or a defensive specialist and she is looking forward to that challenge against top players.
Moncks said the attention to detail will be a lot different than what she is used to at the CIS level.
“I can’t just get away with doing my everyday thing and I think you can’t make the little mistakes that you can get away with in the CIS,” said Moncks.
Once the games get underway, Moncks said it will all come down to who can perform under pressure and that will determine who will win the matches.
She will have some familiarity with her Spartan coach being on the staff – that will help her settle in on the court.
“My coach, Ryan Hofer, he’ll be a rock for me personally on the bench just because he was my coach for CIS,” she said.
Moncks said she is fortunate to receive the tremendous support from the small town and would not be where she is at now without it.
“The support from a small town is incredible,” said Moncks, who is currently working with an agent to possibly play professionally overseas next year.
Spartans coach and Team Canada assistant Ryan Hofer said that with Moncks’ great personality and her hard work and dedication, she will have no problem adapting to the international game.
“She’s an amazingly hard worker and has the drive and passion to be the best she can be,” said Hofer. “When you put those things together and you’re just in the gym everyday enjoying it because she’s wanting to achieve the best she can do.”
He had no second thoughts about relying on her for key plays during matches all year.
“If you look back to the National Championship win, the plays that she made, the energy she brought and the skill execution that she contributed was huge in helping us win a championship,” said Hofer.
The games will take place in South Korea from July 3-14.