Simon Fraser University volleyball player Alison McKay made the Canadian senior national B team after a recent national tryout camp in Winnipeg.
It is the first time the Port Moody native has earned the opportunity to train with the top players from across Canada.
“It feels awesome,” said McKay in a school press release. “I am very excited to practice with the amazing players on the A and B teams, as well as work with the coaches for the next month.”
McKay was one of 26 players at the selection camp, including seven liberos, the position McKay plays for the Clan.
“It was very competitive and everyone pushed each other hard to have the best tryout we all could,” said the SFU junior. “I felt like I performed well, but I'm also the kind of player who expects a lot out of myself and know I could have gotten that extra dig or three pass.”
McKay will nowremain in Winnipeg to train with the senior national team. When the senior team competes in the Pan American Cupin Peru from June 11 to 22, the B team players will continue to train with the remaining A team players who did not travel to the competition.
McKay has previously played on B.C. provincial teams and tried out for the national squad last year but did not make the team.
This past year she helped lead SFU to a 17-9 overall record and an 11-7 mark in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference, the program's first winning record and best season since 2010.
“I was trying out with the intent to stay in Winnipeg all of June,” said McKay. “I definitely thought I had a shot this year because I learned a lot from the tryout last year and worked hard to get better in all aspects of the game, including fitness levels.”
