Aryn Currie, in her third year with the Briercrest women’s volleyball team, is heading into her second year as team captain.

The 5’ 7” setter from Surrey, B.C., has been a key part of the growth and success of the women’s volleyball program in the last two seasons.

She has persevered through an early-season knee injury and has some high expectations for herself and the team again this year.

“I’m so excited for preparing to win the ACAC and CCAA championships," she said. "Every day we get to do this! Now that I’m able to practice again after my injury, I’m so excited to better the team any way I can. Our team this year is young but extremely skilled. I expect myself to be a momentum-maker with my skills, attitude, and leadership.”

Aryn played volleyball for eight years before coming to Briercrest, playing her high school ball at Pacific Academy and also for Focus Volleyball Club. She was the athlete of the year and MVP of the volleyball team for her Grade 12 year in P.A., and was also named a provincial all-star.

Currie also had the opportunity to play for Team BC and won a national championship in 2006, where she was named a tournament all-star.

“I chose Briercrest because I immediately noticed how awesome everyone is here," Currie said. “I loved the idea of being a part of a team that believes in what I believe and loves volleyball as much as I do.”

Aryn made an immediate impact in her first year as a Clipper, stepping into a role as the starting setter. She showed a lot of leadership qualities, and was named the team MVP that season. At the start of last season, she was named team captain,and led the team to 13 wins and the teams’ most successful season since 2003.

Aryn will continue in her role as team captain this season.

“I think I was chosen as captain because as a rookie I proved myself in a lot of different ways. I followed direction from my captain and the rest of the vets and respected whatever decisions they made for the team, big or small. I’ve also always had a really good understanding of the game as well as a huge amount of passion.”

A great leader
Her coach, Nolan Weinmaster, agrees.
“Aryn has been a great leader for our program, and I chose her as captain because she is committed to our program and is a great leader by example with her integrity and character," he said. "Her teammates respect her for that, and also because of her outstanding skill on the court. She has really lived up to my expectations as a captain and continues to grow into a great leader who really cares for her teammates and for our program.”

Currie is studying business at Briercrest, but has also benefitted in other ways than education and volleyball during her time here.

Her best experience, she said, was a proposal from her fiance, Scott Lesher, who plays volleyball for the Clipper Men’s team.

Loved the experience
Overall Aryn has loved her Briercrest experience so far and looks forward to great things ahead.

“I really enjoy being a Briercrest athlete because of all the relationships I’ve been so blessed with here through this program," she said.

"This has become my family away from home the past three years. God has directed me to some of my best friends and to my future husband by playing the best sport ever!”