North Battleford Comprehensive High School standout, Abbey Neufeld will attend the University of Waterloo in Ontario this fall amid uncertainty surrounding the sporting season. (submitted photo/Abbey Neufeld)

By Martin Martinson

Sports Feature

Local volleyball standout reflects on journey, scholarship opportunity ahead

Jul 9, 2020 | 6:06 PM

For North Battleford local, Abbey Neufeld, volleyball has always been a big part of her life.

Taking to the sport at a young age, Neufeld began playing club volleyball at age 10, and has only grown in her dedication to the game since.

In 2018 she helped lead the local club team to a provincial championship; and in 2019, played a pivotal role in delivering the North Battleford Comprehensive High School (NBCHS) senior girls’ team their first provincial medal in 23 years.

So it was no surprise to those who know her, to hear that Neufeld had earned a volleyball scholarship to attend the University of Waterloo this fall, and continue to pursue her passion for the sport. After all, playing at the university level is something she has been working toward for some time.

“I always wanted to play post-secondary volleyball,” she said. “So it was a really good feeling knowing that all my training and the hard work that I’ve been putting in these last few years was really paying off.”

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Neufeld added in addition to the increased level of play at the university level, she’s also looking forward to the close-knit community aspect that comes with post-secondary athletics.

“I’m just really excited I get to be a part of that kind of family atmosphere that teams at that level have to offer,” she added. “It’s a really good feeling.”

Due to the ongoing pandemic, the university announced there will not be games as part of the athletic season until at least January, with the opportunity to reevaluate the situation at that point.

However, while the uncertainty surrounding the season is obviously disappointing, Neufeld said she is still very much looking forward to the fall. She is excited to begin her kinesiology program, and start training with the team.

“It’s unfortunate we won’t be competing right off the bat, but I guess that just gives me the opportunity to put more focus on my training and developing myself as a university player,” she said. “I’m just kind of going with the flow right now for the future. I don’t really know what will happen, but I’m definitely ready to get into the next level and see what I can bring to the table.”

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1