Kamloops – The Thompson Rivers WolfPack women's volleyball team and head coach Chad Grimm have announced the return of a local all-star at the collegiate level with the news that Ella Sladden has committed to the 'Pack.
 
"It will be great to have Ella back in town and representing TRU," said Grimm. "As a local athlete, Ella is someone I have known for several years, and after a year away at VIU it will be nice to add her to our roster."
 
A 5-11 outside hitter, Sladden spent last season playing in Nanaimo with the Vancouver Island Mariners in the PacWest conference of the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association.
 
"They have fantastic facilities here, the coaching staff is great and I just think they offer a really supportive environment," said Sladden on her decision to join the 'Pack. "There's a lot of emphasis on putting the person first instead of just putting the athlete first."
 
While at VIU, Sladden shone for a Mariners squad that finished fourth in the nation. The product of South Kamloops Secondary was named to the PacWest All-Rookie team after helping the Mariners to a 19-1 regular season record.
 
"Ella is a dedicated student-athlete that will not only add to the culture of our team but will give us more depth in the outside hitting position," said Grimm.
 
Prior to heading to the Island, Sladden played high school volleyball at SKSS, club volleyball with the Jr. Heat in Kelowna and also spent three years with Team B.C.
 
"I started playing in Grade 8 at SKSS and I was awful to begin with," said Sladden on her volleyball journey. "I'm one of those people where not being good at something really annoys me, so I worked at it to get better."

After a year out of town, Sladden is excited to return to Kamloops and compete for her hometown WolfPack.
 
"It didn't end up being the right fit for me so I thought 'why don't I come home?' It's cheaper, Chad is a great coach and I think we have a really young team with a lot of potential." said Sladden. "It's exciting to come home and play for my home crowd."
 
Describing her style of play as an energetic player that loves to play in high-pressure moments, Sladden plans to study business at TRU.
 
"I know Ella is ready to work hard and her level of professionalism will allow her to be fully prepared to compete in September," said Grimm. "I am excited to work alongside Ella and the rest of our team."
 
Sladden joins the previously announced Hailey Ward as incoming recruits for the 'Pack that will be suiting up for their hometown team.


Ella Sladden
Position: Outside Hitter
Height: 5'11"
Hometown: Kamloops, BC
Last Team: Vancouver Island University