December 20, 2006 - 2005 CAPS alumnus and former
University of Kentucky sophomore
Tess Edwards has announced
that she will return to Canada and continue her academic and
volleyball careers at the
University of Ottawa.
Tess will commence play for Head Coach Lionel Woods and the U. of O.
Gee-Gees starting December
1st, 2007, one calendar year after her last game in the NCAA, in
accordance with
Canadian
Interuniversity Sport (CIS) regulations. She will be
eligible to play the balance of the 2007-2008 season as well as the
entirety of both the 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 seasons with the
Gee-Gees.
"We are thrilled that a player with Tess' ability &
experience - especially an Ottawa girl - will be joining us in our
tradition of excellence here at Ottawa U," commented Gee-Gees
Head Coach Lionel Woods. "Setting is the cornerstone of any
volleyball program. To know that there will be a seamless
transition a year from now at our 'quarterback' position - both in
leadership and performance - is an exciting prospect for our
team." He added, "We can now turn our focus to adding
depth around our new recruit for the next cycle of Gee-Gees
success."
Tess will continue working towards her degree in Communications
here in Ottawa while lending a helping hand with CAPS coaching duties
whenever possible. She is excited at the prospect of using some
of the skills she learned playing in one of the NCAA's strongest
conferences.
"My time down south was a real eye-opener. I met girls
who will be my friends forever, competed against some really amazing
players, and became a much tougher player and person," said
Edwards. "Competing in the NCAA taught me alot about the
game, but it also made me really appreciate my Canadian roots. I
can't wait to be able to start playing in Ottawa again, and to help
the Gee-Gees in any way that I can."
On her reasons for leaving the surging U.K. volleyball
program:
"I'm not gonna lie - being the starting right-side for the
Wildcats was pretty exciting, and a real compliment to my game, but it
was not the reason I went all the way to Kentucky. I'm just
really fortunate and thankful that this setting opportunity was
available in my home town. I've played in the NCAA - I'm
pumped that now I'll be able to experience the game at a high level in
the CIS as well."
On playing in the NCAA:
"It's not going to be for everyone, and (as they say) you
really do need to do your homework when choosing a school and a
volleyball program. It needs to fit your level of commitment.
I chose a high-profile sports school like Kentucky, and the challenge
was just what I expected." She added, "Being a
student-athlete in the NCAA is serious business; you sign a contract
to play volleyball in exchange for your education - be ready to work
hard."
On being a Canadian in the US
system:
"I can only speak from my experience - everyone was very
welcoming, but you're a Canadian taking a scholarship away from a US
kid, so it just makes sense that the demands on you will be even more
than on the American girls. So long as you work extremely hard
and do your best, you'll be fine."
Would you do it all again?
"Absolutely. I gave Kentucky everything I had and
leave with no regrets, just sadness at having to leave my friends
behind. UK turned out to be a 2-year deal for me - time for my
next adventure!"
Things you enjoyed most about playing in the
US:
"The crazy sports atmosphere of the SEC (Southeastern
Conference), the friendliness of my teammates and their families ...
and the accents. Hell ya!"
Things you missed most about playing in
Canada:
"That's easy - the mens game! My family, of course ...
and poutine!"
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