The Lethbridge Kodiaks signed Lauren Barker for the 2022-23 ACAC Volleyball season (Photo: Lethbridge College)

By Drew Stremick

Lethbridge Kodiaks bolster its roster with new addition

Jul 5, 2022 | 1:07 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Lethbridge College Kodiaks women’s volleyball team is welcoming the addition of Lauren Barker from Calgary.

Barker recently finished her club volleyball career with the Lions High Performance Team in Calgary and will be starting with the Kodiaks once she graduates from high school this summer.

Kodiak head coach Anna Schwark says Barker will be a strong addition to the team.

“Lauren has shown she can excel in both the middle and right-side positions, which was a big reason why we decided to bring her on,” says Schwark. “I also think the reason she is successful in both positions is because she is an extremely hard worker. She seeks feedback, has fun and exudes a great competitive spirit on the court. You can’t really pass that up.”

Barker’s strong performance in U-18 play is something that Schwark hopes to continue to develop now that she’s entering the collegiate level.

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“Lauren is one of those athletes you know you can count on to be committed to improving herself and her team,” says Schwark. “I am really looking forward to seeing her in a few years’ time as I think she has what it takes to excel in the ACAC (Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference).”

Barker is looking forward to joining the Kodiaks in Lethbridge and says she already feels like she’s part of the team.

“I always felt super welcome,” says Barker. “The coaches were approachable and transparent about all their decisions. It was the same with the girls. They were super welcoming and encouraged me to reach out with any questions, so that was really nice.”

Other than her skill as a player, Barker hopes her competitive mindset and consistency will benefit the Kodiaks.

“I would say I’ve always been that big energy person on the team, so I’m really hoping to bring that,” Barker says with a laugh. “It’s fun knowing they already have lots of energy as is! I’m really looking forward to playing with such a great group of girls and a really committed coaching staff.”

You can keep track of Barker’s collegiate career when the 2022-23 ACAC season begins this October.