Aibhilin Kelly

• Compassionate
• Outgoing
• Loving
• Positive
• Easy going

In my opinion, working with your teammates is one of the most important components to volleyball. Being a supportive, positive and optimistic teammate on and off the court is important in creating strong bonds with my team. Whether it is one of my teammates who scores the point, or me, I always celebrate the same way. As well as after a lost point, I make sure that my teammates and I forget about it, think about what we did wrong and how to fix it, and focus on getting the next point. Making sure we are all on the same page and helping each other out is essential for our teams’ success.

The feeling I had when I received the Madawaska Nicole Schwertner Award is one that I will never forget. It was the last day of camp, everyone was down at the Den for closing ceremonies and we were already so emotional, being the last day. My section head, Matt Schnarr, was giving his speech about the award recipient, and when he said my name, I felt so many emotions. I was so honoured, grateful, happy, thankful; it was inexplicable what it felt like to be standing in front of the whole camp with my section head, receiving this award which means so much to the camp and to myself.

I enjoy playing instruments including the guitar and the piano. My family has always been very musical and it is something that we can all do together. I also like to go to the gym to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

One of my role models is Melissa Humana-Paredes because she is so resilient and always brings an unmatchable energy. She has so much grit and never gives up on the ball, and always gives 100% on the court.

Outside of volleyball, I play house-league soccer. It is important to me because I grew up playing soccer and I’ve made so many great memories and friends through those years and I want to continue that part of my life. Also, it is a way for me to move my body in a different way and work on endurance which is another important aspect.

I would like to be a part of the Kinesiology program. Ever since I was younger, I have always been interested in sport rehabilitation and physiotherapy. Playing sports growing up came with a lot of injuries, resulting in many trips to the physio, and I’ve been hooked ever since. I wish to help other athletes regain the mobility and strength that they had before.

I envision my life in university being a good mix between studies and sports. I want to be able to study what I am passionate about while also being able to play the sport I love. Being able to manage my time between practice and my program is a challenge I am currently enduring and wish to pursue throughout post-secondary.