Abbey Neufeld (No. 7), pictured here in action for the University of Waterloo, spikes the ball in play. (Submitted photo/Abbey Neufeld)

By Martin Martinson

Volleyball standout

Battlefords local reflects on first semester playing for University of Waterloo

Dec 8, 2021 | 5:01 PM

For almost as long as she can remember, volleyball has been a hobby, a pastime and a passion for Battlefords local, Abbey Neufeld.

A veteran of the game, Neufeld played club volleyball from age 10 until graduating from high school, while also suiting up for her local school teams from Grades 8-12 at North Battleford Comprehensive High School, in addition to three summers spent with Team Saskatchewan, representing the province.

That is why it should perhaps come as no surprise, Neufeld is now making an impact in her first year of gameplay with the University of Waterloo, in Ontario.

Technically a second-year member of the team, Neufeld’s first season last year, was spent strictly practicing and training with the women’s volleyball team, due to the cancellation of university athletics because of the pandemic.

However, despite the challenging circumstances, Neufeld made the most of her opportunity to grow familiar with the facilities and her teammates, something she credits with only helping her this year, in her first season of games with the team.

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“I think the biggest adjustment for me was just the level of play and the workload itself, but I’ve had a lot of great support from my teammates and they’ve always been encouraging,” she said. “They have helped push me to play at the best of my abilities, which I think has really shown in its significance this year.”

Abbey Neufeld jumps in motion to spike the ball for the University of Waterloo Warriors women’s volleyball team this season. (Submitted photo/Abbey Neufeld)

Playing as a right side with the team this year, Neufeld got an opportunity to start in her first semester in mid-November, when injury hit the club’s veteran right-side starter.

Up to the challenge without hesitation, Neufeld posted three kills for the team in her first game, November 12 against Windsor, with a personal-best 11 kills coming later in the month, just ahead of the semester break against Western.

This, despite being thrust into a new position on the court, after playing primarily middle for as long as she can remember. Neufeld said the experience has been one she’s taking in stride, and just trying to soak in as it comes.

“I’ve really enjoyed it so far, getting to learn the new position, and seeing how I’m able to contribute in a new way to the team,” she said. “Playing post-secondary was always a goal of mine, so just to be here, I feel like I’m definitely improving and I’m happy with how it’s gone so far.”

The University of Waterloo senior women’s team will return to play in the New Year, Jan. 14 versus the Brock Badgers.

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1