The University of Fraser Valley women's volleyball program welcomed five new rookies to their roster in advance to the 2025 Canada West season in the fall. Bree Unchulenko, Andi Calon, Brooklyn Ross, Meera Hameed, and Bianca Pura will look to make their mark as Cascades.

"I am excited to coach the future generation of Cascades.  This next wave of recruits brings athletes who are passionate and excited to continue the momentum of the program," said head coach Janelle Rozema.

"This group has a lot of diverse skill and experience to add to both the court and the culture of our team. We are very honoured to welcome them to our community."

Bree Unchulenko
5'10" Outsider Hitter
Esterhazy, SK
Esterhazy High School
Huskies 18U Premier

Unchulenko pointed to the team environment at UFV when asked about signing with the Cascades.

"I chose UFV because the coaches and players are a tight knit group, that strive to always improve by pushing each other, and I thrive in that environment."

"I want to work hard and improve and challenge myself to become a starter for the team and compete for a national title."

Andi Calon
6'0" Middle
Drumheller, AB
St. Anthony's School
Canada West Volleyball Club / CAQVC Extreme

"There are many reasons I chose UFV", Calon emphasized on her decision to commit to the Cascades.

"One being the strong volleyball program and awesome coaches, their vision for the team really aligned with what I was looking for in a program and I know that they will help me develop into the best player I can be. Another reason for choosing UFV was the small class sizes, knowing that I'll be able to have a personal relationship with professors really appeals to me, especially coming from a small town."

"Eventually, I hope to be able to make an impact on the volleyball team both on and off the court.  I want to be the best teammate possible and be known as a hard worker.  Also, and it goes without saying, I would like to become the best player possible."

Brooklyn Ross
5'2" Libero / DS
Abbotsford, BC
MEI
Jr. Cascades

Ross, the libero had her sights set on the Cascades for years since playing her youth with the Jr. Cascades.

"I chose UFV because within a couple days of doing a summer camp run by the varsity team they made me feel like one of them. I felt I had grown a connection with the team in a short span of time and found myself becoming very comfortable laughing and playing with them, which made it easy for me to picture myself there in the future."

"I want to have fun and build meaningful connections while being pushed to be the best player and version of myself I can be."

Meera Hameed
5'10" Left Side / Setter
Edmonton, AB
Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School
18U Queens Extreme

"I chose UFV because it offers an amazing environment for me to excel both athletically and academically. From the moment I met Coach Janelle, I could sense the passion and commitment she brings to the program. UFV's volleyball program is built on a culture of excellence and pride, and I'm so excited to be a part of it."

Hameed recognizes the already established team and only wants to add more.

"My goal with the Cascades is to become a stronger player, both mentally and physically. I aim to develop my game strategically, learning to read the field and make impactful decisions in critical moments. Additionally, I want to contribute to the team's success and help push the program to new heights, continuously challenging myself to grow as an athlete and a teammate."

Bianca Pura
5'8" Outside Hitter
Winnipeg, MB
St. Mary's Academy
Cobras Volleyball Club
Pura references that the program will only further her talents in a positive way.

"I chose UFV because it offers academic excellence in the career path I want to pursue. The school also provides a high-level volleyball program, being one of the best in the country that I believe can further develop my physical and mental aspects of the game."

"As a Cascade, I want to become the best player I can possibly be and contribute to the already existing positive and successful atmosphere."
The Cascades women's volleyball team continues their 2024 Canada West season on January 17, as they host the University of Calgary at 7:45pm at the UFV Athletic Centre. The game can also be seen live on Canada West TV.

All UFV students get free admission to watch the Cascades regular season home games. Visit gocascades.ca for more information and follow @ufvcascades on social media to keep up with all the up to date news and stats from UFV Athletics.