RECRUIT ANNOUNCEMENT: Women’s volleyball adds Team Nova Scotia member Camryn Giddens

The Gee-Gees women's volleyball program announced their first recruit for the 2023-24 season with the addition of wing hitter Camryn Giddens.

Hailing from Fall River, N.S., Giddens was a member of Team Nova Scotia at the 2022 Canada Games.

"I was exploring universities in Ontario in my grade 11 year, but when I met Coach Lionel and Coach Kaly in December 2022, they really stood out," said Giddens, who also has experience as a middle and a setter. "When I had the opportunity to practice with the team in January, I knew this was the kind of environment I could really thrive in and grow athletically and academically." 

"Our decision to sign Camryn for 2023-24 is based on more than just an impressive athletic resume," said Gee-Gees head coach Lionel Woods. "We feel Camryn has a special level of work ethic and competitiveness in her game that will fit in with our current core. When we fill roster spots throughout recruiting, it is because that player will help our chances of winning – Camryn fits extremely well in our gym and in our room. We are excited to see her development in the coming years." 

With Giddens signing on, the 2023-24 edition of the Gee-Gees will feature three athletes who competed at the 2022 Canada Games. Nicole Hildebrand won gold with Team Manitoba, while Denae Bristow helped Saskatchewan to fourth place, the province's strongest finish in decades.

Giddens has picked up some serious hardware over the last few years with the Fury Volleyball Club and Lockview High School, both based in Fall River. She recently wrapped up her high school career by winning a Provincial Championship with Lockview – the first title in the school's history. 

A multi-sport athlete who also excels at basketball and baseball, Giddens earned the Fury Volleyball Club All-Star Award last year and has twice been named to the Metro High School All-Star Basketball Team. She was a recipient of the prestigious Lieutenant Governor's Education Award in 2022.

"On the volleyball court, I like to come out swinging hard in the front row," said Giddens, whose garnered the nickname 'Cam the Hammer.' "I may not be the most graceful on the court, but I'm not afraid to dive to get the ball up and I have the bruises to show for it! I love to have fun on the court, but I'm still very competitive."

Giddens intends to study Biomedical Sciences with a Neuroscience Option at the University of Ottawa. She'll become the third Gee-Gees volleyball player studying science, joining Meghan Kociancic (also in Biomedical Science) and 2022-23 RSEQ Second Team All-Star Grace McKale (Biopharmaceutical Science).

With the addition of a Nova Scotia product, the Gee-Gees volleyball team is now on track to feature athletes from six different provinces and one state in 2023.

The Gee-Gees preseason gets started in September, with the RSEQ regular season beginning in mid-October. The 2023-24 regular season schedule is slated to be announced over the summer.