Recruit Profile: Shay Kirk joins Gee-Gees women’s volleyball in 2020-21

The Gee-Gees women's volleyball team is proud to announce the fourth member of the 2020-21 recruiting class: Shay Kirk, a middle player with the Vincent Massey (Brandon) Vikings.

"Shay is going to be a perfect 'athletic' complement to our roster and our style of play," said head coach Lionel Woods. "As an explosive, smooth middle player she has the potential to play a large role in our current re-build. Shay really understands the game and shows a level of volleyball IQ that is impossible for us to train after you arrive at this level."

Kirk also stood out to the team with her combination maturity and focus.

"Shay was able to articulate exactly what she was looking for in her university volleyball and school experience and that made it extremely easy to identify her alignment with what we are trying to develop here over the next few years," Woods added.

Kirk currently calls Brandon, Manitoba home, and plays volleyball on both her high school team, the Vincent Massey Vikings, and her club team, Cats Volleyball.

"On the court I feel I am very calm and relaxed, no matter how big the game," Kirk said, while adding she can be seen constantly smiling. "I try to lead by example and encourage my teammates to continue to push themselves."

Kirk is a talented multi-sport athlete. In addition to her prowess on the volleyball court, she has achieved AA times in competitive swimming.

"Starting competitive swimming at a young age allowed me to see the discipline and dedication that is required to excel in sports," she explained. "Along with swimming, I was also involved with triathlons which have increased my fitness and level of competitiveness."

Kirk explained Ottawa is a great fit for a number of reasons, both on and off the court.

"I chose Ottawa because it allows me to grow as a volleyball player and the Telfer School of Business is well recognized as an outstanding program," she enthused. "I also felt instantly at home after meeting Lionel and Christina and the other girls on the team."

At Telfer, Kirk's studies will be focused on commerce and marketing. 

"I am excited about the Telfer School of Business because it is regarded as a great business program," she said. "I was very selective in the schools I applied to because academics are important to me and luckily for me, I will be able to attend a great university and play volleyball for a great program."

In addition, heading to uOttawa is extra special, given the connection her family has to the University.

"My mom graduated from the nursing program at Ottawa, so it is great to come to a school that has a personal connection for my family," she said.