The South Delta Sun Devils will continue to have a presence with the defending USport national women’s volleyball champions.
Two-time provincial first team all-star setter Mackenzie Campbell is one of three recruits UBC Thunderbirds head coach Doug Reimer is adding to his roster for the coming 2023/24 season. Campbell is joined by Nanaimo middle Tianna Kehler and outside hitter Ella Ungemach of Burnaby.
“Each one of them was recruited for reasons that I think are both what they bring as athletes and as people,” said Reimer. “But also to be a part of a roster long-term where they can make strong contributions. I’m excited from that point of view.
“I think (Mackenzie) has a lot of potential to develop as a setter. She’s made good strides already. I see a very determined athlete in her. For us to acquire a setter with some good size and potential, we looked hard at that position because it’s so critical.”
Campbell continues the run of SDSS talent at the Point Grey campus after middle Jayde Robertsen concluded her university career in spectacular fashion by earning tournament first-team honours at nationals on her home court back in March.
“She was someone I definitely looked up to knowing she was from South Delta,” smiled Campbell when the Optimist interviewed her this week.
However, it was hardly a foregone conclusion she would be following in Robertsen’s footsteps.
When Campbell began the recruiting process a year ago, the T-Birds weren’t sure at the time if they needed a first-year setter. Meanwhile, there was interest elsewhere, including York University where Campbell even made an official visit to the Toronto campus and had an offer presented to her with a deadline.
“It was a big stress because I didn’t know if UBC was going to give me an offer. It was a pretty much like, what road do I take and I chose to stick with my gut to go to UBC and it all worked out,” said Campbell.
A standout athlete, the 6-foot Campbell has also thrived on the soccer field and basketball court. She concluded her soccer career last weekend by helping South Delta reach the provincial podium for the second straight year with a bronze medal finish. She earned South Fraser all-star basketball honours in her Grade 11 year as the Sun Devils advance to the provincial tournament for the first time in recent memory.
She knew the athletic load would eventually have to ease at the club level, playing only volleyball with the powerhouse Coquitlam-based Ducks program the past couple of seasons. However, she will be forever grateful for her stint with the Rain City program where it was suggested she should try shifting from middle to setter.
“I was at tryouts and the coach was like ‘you have really nice hands, why don’t I try putting you at setter?’ I had no idea what I was doing but I just kept setting balls and ended up making the ‘A’ team. If that coach didn’t put me there I wouldn’t be where I am today,” added Campbell. “I’m very thankful for her.”
