Favourite local athlete

Supplied photo

Favorite local athlete 

1. Justine Kolody
2. Desiree Scott
3. A massive tie

Local allstar Justine Kolody, only 17, has been playing volleyball, which she says is her “true love,” for over six years. 

When asked what has motivated her to achieve athletic success, Kolody reveals it is a strong sibling bond, with her sister serving as her biggest inspiration. She says, “Ever since I was younger, I wanted to do everything that she (her sister) did. She played volleyball and loved sports in school. Also, I’ve always loved playing sports and am very competitive, so it is the perfect fit for me to be an athlete.”

Before getting hooked on volleyball, Kolody was a rhythmic gymnast for several years, which she says “really helped with my jumping skills.” And folks, Kolody sure can jump! 

Kolody is a setter, a position which essentially runs the team’s offensive strategy and requires a soft touch and excellent communication skills. She played on Team Manitoba in 2019 for the Western Canada Summer Games (and won), has been named to both the Junior and Youth National teams and has also won provincial and national championships with her club team, Shock Volleyball. 

Kolody says, “I would love to be a professional volleyball player in the future and travel the world, but I will have to see when the time comes and assess how my body is holding up and what is happening in my life. 

“Best-case scenario is that I become a professional volleyball player, and if that doesn’t work out, I would love to become a physical-education teacher or do something in the athletics world.”

Kolody has just accepted a scholarship to play volleyball at the University of Alberta for the Pandas, so it looks like she is well on the way to achieving her goals.

Published in Volume 75, Number 12 of The Uniter (December 3, 2020)

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