News Archives: Leah Friesen - Featured Athlete of the Week
Wednesday, November 6th, 2019
Name: Leah Friesen
Jersey Number. Is there a story behind it? #7 – no story.
Hometown: Beaverlodge, Alberta
High School: Beaverlodge Regional High School
At what age did you start playing your sport? What drew you to the game? I started playing when I was in Grade 5. I was actually playing hockey at the time and when the hockey season ended, my parents told me that I could not keep playing anymore. My dad was the one who encouraged me to try out for volleyball in Grade 7, I never thought I was any good or stood a chance in making the A-Team, but I was wrong! I have been playing the sport ever since and here I am playing on the GPRC Women’s team!
What is your fondest memory of your sport? I had the opportunity to play at the Arctic Winter Games in Alaska. While playing there my team and I came home with a gold medal beating Russia in the final. It was a great experience getting to play teams that we never get to play and playing with girls on my team that I always played against throughout junior high and high school.
Any pre or post-game rituals that you would be willing to share? How do you prepare? I watch game tape of the opponents on my own quite often. I like to analyze what the players do in certain situations so that when it comes to our game on the weekend nothing is a surprise and it allows me to play at ease.
What are your future goals? As of right now, I have already ticked off a goal, I graduated as a Licensed Practical Nurse. I came back to GPRC to play my last 2 years of volleyball because I couldn’t stop playing yet! I am currently in Business Administration program (I am not sure if I plan on using it in the future… maybe someday). As of right now, I am living the best of all worlds for myself; working as an LPN, playing the sport I love, and going to school all at the same time.
From Head Coach, Lauren Hale-Miller
What does this player bring to the dynamics of the team? Leah is a huge part of the success of our program. She sets high expectations for herself and others that surround her. Simply being around her makes you want to better at whatever task you are doing! Leah is a natural-born leader, which is why she was voted co-captain by her teammates this fall.