There's something to be said about skill level, and there's no doubt the Nipissing Lakers women's volleyball team's newest recruit has the skill to play in the OUA.
One of the things that isn't always easy to measure, but is extremely important, is attitude, and Vanessa Arbour has the attitude the Lakers are looking for.
The Ottawa, ON native is the latest to sign with Nipissing and Lakers head coach
Marc LaRochelle likes what she brings to the program.
"We are very excited to have Vanessa join the Laker family," said LaRochelle. "Vanessa always provides positive energy on the court regardless of the situation. She is a true team player and her passion is contagious."
Arbour, who stands 6-foot-1, is graduating from the Mavericks U18 Broncos program in Ottawa, and is excited to make the jump to the OUA/CIS and feels her passion for the game and desire to learn and improve will help her make the transition.
"I am a very passionate player. As a middle, my strengths are my size and power. Skill wise, I think there is nothing better than hitting a good step around," she explained. "As a first year rookie I am excited to meet the team and make friends. Hopefully I can continue to improve my skills and work hard to earn some playing time."
Arbour knows things will be tougher, but she's ready to take on that challenge.
The four-time high school MVP has had not only a successful career during school, but has also performed well on the club level.
At last year's Nationals in Calgary, which Arbour described as "my career high," her and her team came fourth, losing an incredible Game 3, 15-13 after having an epic quarter-final where Game 3 went to 28-26, as her team advanced.
Arbour said the decision she made to come to Nipissing was based on a few things and a combination of academics and athletics seemed like a great fit for her.
"I am extremely excited to have finally made a decision to come play at Nipissing University. I had been considering it for a while so it feels good to have finally made a decision," she said. "I chose Nipissing because of its great reputation, proximity to home and small class sizes. The coaching staff made me feel right at home as soon as I met them. I knew it was a good fit."
Arbour will be enrolling in the criminal justice program when school kicks off in September, with a few options she's looking to follow.
Colin Walker, Arbour's head coach with the Mavericks U18 Broncos, said the Lakers are getting an athlete that will not only contribute on the court, but will also be a great teammate no matter what the situation is.
"Nipissing has signed an energetic, hardworking young lady. Vanessa will be bringing her enthusiasm and commitment to the university," Walker said. "She will be sure to keep people smiling on and off the court with her wit and charm and her opponents on their heels with her powerful arm swing."
Regardless of what life after Nipissing holds for the talented 18-year-old, she's excited about what lies ahead for the next four or five years.
Volleyball at the OUA/CIS level, a university education and a new experience are all things on the horizon for Arbour.
"I look forward to this new chapter of my life," she said.
LaRochelle added that Arbour has the tools to compete at the next level and with some fine-tuning and continued hard work, the future is bright.
"As with any player entering the OUA/CIS there will be a learning curve, however, I am very confident that Vanessa's work ethic and determination will motivate her to achieve her goals," LaRochelle noted.
