FORMER OUA STANDOUT SIGNS WITH HUMBER VOLLEYBALL
ETOBICOKE, Ont -- Heading into the offseason Humber Hawks women's volleyball head coach Chris Wilkins was looking for size and athleticism for his 2017 recruiting class. With former Guelph Gryphon standout Nicole Collard, Coach Wilkins found all that and more.
"We are extremely excited to have Nicole join the Hawks next season," said Coach Wilkins, who owns a 317-41 (.880) career record in 17 years at Humber. "She is the type of student-athlete that makes everyone around her better, and we can't wait to see her donning the blue and gold."
A native of Sudbury, Collard recently graduated from the University of Guelph with a bachelor's degree (honours) in Psychology.
"I chose Humber based on their wide variety of post-graduate programs," said the six-foot middle. "Not only are their academics outstanding, but their volleyball program is one of the best in the province, and I'm looking forward to being a part of the teams' success."
As a Gryphon, Collard led her program in total blocks twice and finished her career with 179 after four seasons (0.79 blocks per set).
Before her dominant U Sports career, Collard found success at the club and high school level as well. Competing for the Northern Chill Volleyball Club, she was twice named Athlete of the Year (2011 and 2012).
At LaSalle Secondary School in Sudbury, Collard was a four-time women's volleyball MVP and four-time female athlete of the year award recipient.
"Nicole will make an immediate impact in the OCAA and will help us compete for a national championship," added Coach Wilkins. "She has a wealth of knowledge which she is currently giving back to the sport as an assistant coach with the Scorpions volleyball club in Cambridge."
Collard will be taking the Arts and Science University transfer program at Humber College starting in September.
"I'm preparing to apply for the post-graduate nursing program in 2018," continued Collard. "My end goal is to pursue a career in psychiatric mental health nursing."
Collard, along with incoming recruit Alex Bartmann, will join the rest of the Humber Hawks volleyball team when training camp begins in July.
Quick Facts:
Height: 6'0
Favourite athlete of all-time: "Simone Biles – USA Gymnastics."
How long have you been playing for? "10 years."
What do you like to do aside from your chosen sport? "Run, read, or travel."
Most inspirational person in your life: "My mom. She made me into the person I am today. I wouldn't be where I am without her."