Standing at six foot one, Mackenzie Jeffrey, who is in her first year with the Wesmen women’s volleyball team, has always been tall for her age and began playing the sport in Grade 7. 

Jeffrey was recruited by Wesmen head coach Diane Scott while attending high school at Miles Macdonell Collegiate last spring, and was excited to join the University of Winnipeg and the Wesmen program.

“I chose to study at the U of W because I wanted to earn my degree in a smaller school, where I feel I will be able to develop stronger relationships with my professors and fellow classmates,” she said.

Jeffrey is a volleyball veteran as a member of the 2010 provincial championship Bison 18 U team and she has been a provincial finalist in previous years earning the titles of best passer and blocker in 2008.

In terms of the Wesmen team, Jeffrey feels the core group of returning girls are strong players and leaders, and the rookies are a great addition.

“We all get along very well and you can see everyone improving on the court already,” Jeffrey said. “I think this season is going to go very well. I’m looking forward to what it will bring for all of us together, on and off the court.”

Now that the first month of training is over, the Wesmen have moved into pre-season games. In their first two tournaments, they have been strong competitors and have had close matches with other talented Canadian Interuniversity Sport teams.

Though the season is just getting underway, the rookie is already looking forward to the team’s successes.

“I am very excited about playing this year because Diane recruited a group of very talented individuals,” Jeffrey said.  “I can see the passion everyone has on the team and I’m excited to see and be a part of what this team can accomplish.”

Published in Volume 65, Number 6 of The Uniter (October 7, 2010)