From the Holland College Hurricanes
CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI — The Holland Hurricanes have a lot to focus on over the coming months.
Finishing out a busy 2021-22 Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association (ACAA) season as they currently battle for first place in the standings. There is also the 2022 Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Women’s Volleyball National Championship being hosted in Charlottetown by the ‘Canes in March.
Albeit a busy time, head coach Hayden Nichol knows the importance of planning for the future as he continues to recruit for future seasons. Recently he confirmed the commitment of two new student-athletes to Holland College for the fall of 2022, Jenna Dodaro and Abby MacDonald.
Dodaro, from Mississauga, Ontario, is a libero currently playing with the Storm Volleyball Club and St. Marcellinus Secondary School.
“I chose to enroll at Holland College and hope to study in the Kinesiology program and play varsity sports. Coach Hayden runs a great program and I’m super excited to start next fall.”
Dodaro is described as a supportive teammate, on and off the court, with a high intensity and energy level that can positively impact her teammates.
“Jenna is a talented libero coming to us from one of the best youth volleyball clubs that Ontario has to offer as well as a high school with an extremely good reputation,” shared Nichol. “She is a very skilled defender and is not afraid to take charge of the back row in reception. I am excited to see what she could do at the next level.”
While Abby MacDonald, a middle, joins the ‘Canes from Charlottetown, PEI.
“I chose Holland College as I felt it was a good fit for my academic and athletic goals. The education style at Holland College matches well with what I wanted to achieve out of my post-secondary experience. Volleyball was also a major factor in my decision. The Hurricanes have shown to be a very strong and dedicated program. The ability to play at home was a bonus. I’m very excited to start this journey at Holland College.”
MacDonald, 6’4”, hopes to study in the Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant program at Holland College. She is described as a tough defender with a high volleyball IQ. She has seen action with the Charlottetown Rural High School, PEI Canada Games Training Team, and the Island Surge Volleyball Club in recent years.
“Abby is a top volleyball recruit on the Island from this year’s graduating high school class,” shared Nichol. “I am thrilled that Abby has decided to stay close to home and attend Holland College next year. Her height and physical abilities on the volleyball court will make her a key piece in our block-defence system and first tempo offence.”
The Hurricanes will return to action on Friday, January 14, 2022, in Truro, Nova Scotia versus the Dalhousie Agricultural Campus (Dal AC) Rams at 7pm.
The teams next home games takes place on Saturday, January 22 at 2pm versus the University of New Brunswick Saint John (UNBSJ) Seawolves at the McMillan Centre for Community Engagement (MCCE).
The ‘Canes will host the 2022 CCAA Women’s Volleyball National Championship on March 9-12 at the MCCE, featuring the top eight teams from across the country. For more information on the event, visit www.ccaa.ca.
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