When the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack women’s volleyball team holds their ‘fifth year’ ceremonies at the end of their final home match on Saturday (Jan 28), there will be something extra special. That’s because the three fifth year players that are being honored: Kelly Asleson (Richmond, BC), Vanessa Wiebe (South Surrey, BC) and Amanda Frayne (Kamloops, BC) will become the first players in that program to have played all five years of their CIS eligibility at TRU. All three believe Saturday’s match and the ceremony following it, will be an emotional time. Kelly Asleson “I am excited for my final home game because I have family and friends coming to celebrate it with me, “ says Asleson, who has been the WolfPack captain the last three years. “It will be bittersweet though, I love playing for the WolfPack and have been playing in this gym for 5 years, I will miss it for sure. This weekend means a lot to me, I have put a lot into this program and with it coming to an end it symbolizes a chapter in my life ending. I am really happy I have some great people to celebrate this with.” Vanessa Wiebe Says Wiebe: “It's exciting to be the graduating player after watching many of my teammates and friends finish playing their five years of volleyball.” Amanda Frayne Frayne has had her parents watch her at home matches since she joined the WolfPack. Still, she is getting a little emotional at the thought of playing before them for the last time this weekend: “I'm feeling very anxious going into our final home weekend. I'm very excited for the game as usual, but in the back of my mind, I can't help but think that this is the last time I'll play at TCC and the last time I'll play in front of my family and friends. I have been thinking about my last home match my entire time at TRU. It's an interesting feeling going into something knowing you only have a set amount of time to do it, so the countdown has been on since day 1.” The three started their careers off with Carrie Barrett in the old TRU gym in 2007. Asleson finds it somewhat ironic that they are closing the home portion of their CIS career against Saskatchewan. “I remember one of my first matches with the WolfPack, it was against Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, we lost. I remember being really upset but also in shock. I was pretty excited about playing in the CIS though, I just remember being super nervous before the game.” Amanda Frayne gets ready to serve (Andrew Snucins photo) What about highlights? Frayne says its a ‘no brainer’ for her: “This season has been a highlight for me. This is one of the most competitive teams I have been a part of at TRU and the chemistry among the players is amazing. It is so rewarding to win games, and to win games alongside these girls feels even better”. Wiebe looks back at her career like this: “I don't have just one highlight, I have been given many opportunities for great experiences during my career at TRU. I've been able to travel with the team and I have met many great friends through the program. I have enjoyed the competition and the many tough games we have played through the years. “ The fact that they are the first to go through their entire 5 year CIS careers wearing a WolfPack women’s volleyball uniform hasn’t been lost on them. “It is pretty exciting to be the first girls to have completed all 5 years at TRU,” Asleson states. “ We have seen lots of players and coaches go through this program. We have been through a lot together and I am proud of us all for sticking with it.” Vanessa Wiebe in action against Manitoba this year (Andrew Snucins photo) Weibe states: “It means a lot to me that we are not only the first players to play our five years at TRU, but also to be graduating from university. I feel that it shows our ability to balance our lives; the dedication and commitment we have shown to our continuing education, to the team and to the athletic program at TRU. I am very proud of myself, Amanda and Kelly.” Amanda Frayne bumping while teammate Sara Pettersson watches (Allan Douglas photo) For Frayne:” I will remember all the people I've met along the way. The coaches, teammates, opponents, and fans that have all shaped my own personal experience of TRU athletics and made it one I will never forget.” The ‘three amigos’ have gone through a lot and have influenced each other through ‘thick and thin’. Frayne is quick to point out her friendship with Asleson most of all. “Kelly has probably been my biggest influence. Her work ethic and positive attitude is contagious. We have helped each other through every low and celebrated together through every high for 5 years. When it got tough, we played for each other. She is one of the reasons I've made it here today”. Asleson with teammate Katarina Osadchuk (Andrew Snucins photo) All three hope to continue with the sport. Asleson is looking at possibly going overseas to play professionally. Frayne is already coaching a U-16 girls club team in Kamloops while Wiebe would like to continue in the sport, possibly coaching as well in the future. Amanda Frayne in action last year against Manitoba (Andrew Snucins photo) Regardless of the outcome of Saturday’s match. There is bound to be some tears when the three say adieu to the home crowd for the last time.”I hope to be able to hold it in until the end of the game, but I know that it will be a very emotional night for me” Frayne states. “ I've loved my time at TRU and it's so hard to believe that it is almost over, so it will probably hit me pretty hard.” Asleson celebrates with teammates after point (Andrew Snucins photo) Asleson and Wiebe both say they will also be sad and the waterworks will flow if they see their teammates crying too.”