Hours of practice and dedication are paying off for Trent University student-athlete Natalie Fournier (Peter Gzowski College).
A Psychology student and dual athlete, Natalie is currently ranked fifth on the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) leaderboard for service aces per set during her second year playing for the Excalibur women's volleyball team.
In addition to her accomplishments in the OUA, Natalie is currently sitting in tenth place for service aces per set in Canada on the U Sport Canada leaderboard.
"Seeing an Excalibur athlete on a national leaderboard brings so much pride to our team," said Leslie Spooner, interim director, Athletics & Recreation. "The effort and commitment that Natalie and her teammates demonstrate through practice and training is paying off and is an inspiration to all of our Excalibur athletes."
Rebecca Van Staalduinen, head coach of the Excalibur women's volleyball team, notes that Fournier's success on the Trent women's lacrosse team has followed her into this season of volleyball.
"Natalie has grown into an absolute force from the service line in her second season in the OUA," said Coach Van Staalduinen. "Natalie saw previous success with the Trent Women's Lacrosse team, being named a co-captain and winning a silver medal this past season. It is fantastic to see that same success transfer over to the volleyball court, as Natalie works extremely hard in practices."
Though her name is on the leaderboard, Natalie says it is her team that has helped her get there.
"Being on the leaderboard for volleyball service aces is a great feeling and a testament to all of the hard work that goes into practice and playing this game. Volleyball is the ultimate team sport, as a team we commit to over 15 hours on the court each week," she said. "I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to play varsity sports at Trent. All of the coaches I've had, my teammates and the varsity athletics program have all been very supportive and it's meant I've been able to pursue my passion for two sports while getting an education and achieving my personal goals - one of which included repping Trent on an OUA leaderboard."