One of Delta secondary school's top graduating athletes will be focusing on volleyball as she begins her post-secondary education.
Hayley Flower-Ainge is among five players in the Douglas College Royals' 2012 recruiting class, announced last week by newly appointed head coach Kyra Iannone.
Flower-Ainge was also a key basketball player on one of the strongest group to come through DSS in sometime under coach Kerrie Trotman, finishing second at the Fraser Valley junior girls championships in 2010. She also played on one of the most successful club teams to ever come out of the Ladner Girls Soccer Club - the Ladner Attack.
On the volleyball court, she not only led the Pacers but played at the club level with Air Attack. She also is a product of the Richmond Olympic Oval Volleyball Center of Excellence Program.
"We are excited to have a player like Hayley join the program and help our team accomplish even more next year," says Iannone of her left-side freshman. "Hayley will be key in creating a culture of excellence and family within our team at Douglas, her positive personality and work ethic is exactly what this team needs.
"She brings a passion and excitement for the game and her team"
This summer, Flower-Ainge is training outdoors on the sand under Iaonnone as she looks to improve her beach game. She plans on competing in local tournaments aiming to gain more beach experience, stay fit, and keep her touches consistent in the off-season.
"I chose Douglas because it was close enough to home, it's a good fit for me, academically and sports wise, and (the coach (Kyra Iannone) definitely was a big part of my decision" said Flower-Ainge.
She trained under former national team and UBC standout Joanne Ross at the Oval Excellence Program.
"Haley is a committed athlete with a strong desire to improve and excel," said Ross. "She is very coachable and eager to improve. Hayley has great leadership skills and is a good role model to the younger athletes in the program."
Flower-Ainge is part of a Douglas recruting class that also includes: Megan Ramstead (Mt Boucherie secondary, Kelowna), Courtney Wilson (Timberline secondary, Campbell River) and Tory Trim (Clayton Heights, Surrey).
Iannone took over the Douglas program in April.
