Marisa Field, who played with the Okanagan Lakers Women’s Volleyball team in 2004-2005 and 2005-2006, has been named to Canada’s senior women’s volleyball team. Team selections were made May 27, after an intensive four-day Selection Camp at the Team Canada Volleyball Centre in Winnipeg.
A graduate of Kelowna Secondary School, Field was a standout player with the Lakers during her time at UBC Okanagan, earning B.C. Colleges’ Athletic Association All Star selection in both years, and a BCCAA Provincial Championship All Star selection in 2005.
“Marisa was a key part of the Lakers’ success during her seasons with us,” said Steve Manuel, Okanagan Lakers Head Coach. “Her blocking is a major weapon on the court, her 6’2” stature and her jumping ability allow her to play at a much higher level above the net than most athletes.
“Marisa’s consistency is also impressive,” he said, “both from an attacking standpoint and from the service line. Her ability to process information is another contributing factor to her ‘fast track’ to the national Team program.”
Moving to UBC’s Vancouver campus for her third year of studies last fall, Field joined the UBC Thunderbirds and was ranked among the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) Canada West’s top 25 players.
“I am thrilled and very proud of Marisa’s accomplishments this season,” said Manuel. “She made the jump to CIS and excelled at that level, but to be selected to the national team adds another dimension to her development.”
This year’s national team is made up of veteran and up-and-coming athletes that will form Canada’s Senior and International University Sport Federation (FISU) teams.
“We are pleased with the performances of the entire group of tryout athletes this past week,” said Team Canada Head Coach Naoki Miyashita. “The competitive level was good and we are very encouraged by the spirited play of the younger players, as well as the steady play of the more senior athletes. This selection camp has been one of the most skilled that I have had the opportunity to be a part of.”
This is an important year for the Senior Women’s team, as they will play host to the North, Central America and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation (NORCECA) Women’s Continental Championship September 17 to 22, leading up to the Olympic Qualification Tournament this December in Mexico. Canada will first see action at the Pan American Cup, June 19 to 29, in Colima, Mexico.
Team Canada Women’s 2007 International Schedule:
June 19 to 29 — Pan American Cup (Colima, Mexico)
July 26 to Aug. 5 — Japan Tour, FISU Team
Aug. 8 to 18 — FISU Games (Bangkok, Thailand)
Sept. 17 to 23 — NORCECA Continental Championships (Winnipeg, MB)
(Top 2 teams to qualify for World Cup in Japan)
Nov. 1 to 15 — World Cup (Japan)
(Top 3 teams to qualify for 2008 Olympic Games)
Dec. 14 to 22 — Olympic Qualifier (Monterrey, Mexico)
(Top team to qualify for 2008 Olympic Games)
