Virden’s Amy Lewis believes she has found the perfect place to pursue an education and continue her volleyball career.
The daughter of Colleen and Jason Lewis has signed a letter of intent with Dakota College at Bottineau. The North Dakota school’s squad, the Ladyjacks, compete at the National Junior College Athletic Association level.
“The thing I'm looking forward to most is probably meeting new people,” Lewis said. “I have already met and become friends with most of the team, which is super cool, and I'm excited to meet more people and to room with one of my teammates. The campus is beautiful and it's so homey. It's just the perfect fit for me.”
The Dakota College at Bottineau volleyball coaching staff was pleased to ink the Virden Collegiate Institute student-athlete as the first recruit of its 2020 class.
Head coach Mike Smith believes Lewis, an outside hitter, can develop into a six-rotation player. As well as her skill, the coach is impressed with her as a person.
“She is a great student and a really nice kid,” Smith stated on the college’s website. “She will fit in well with our returning players and there is no doubt I am getting a very hard-working player that has played in a very good volleyball system in Manitoba. She is genuinely excited to be here, and we can't wait to get her in green and white.”
Lewis, who has played three summers on provincial teams, also had opportunities in Alberta, Ontario and the United States Midwest. She was able to watch some of the Ladyjacks games at the Woodshed. She was impressed with her visits to campus and felt it was the place for her.
“The atmosphere is what excites me most about DCB,” Lewis said. “Everyone there is so kind and welcoming. It is truly a family. The team welcomed me with open arms and I am so blessed to be able to experience college with these great girls.”
Lewis appreciates the size of DCB, which last February had a total enrollment of 862.
“It's kind of like I have my own little piece of Virden in Bottineau because everybody knows everybody,” Lewis said. “You aren't just a student number on a paper among thousands of others.”
She plans to pursue a degree in pharmacy. “I'm a real science girl thanks to the great science department at VCI.”
Lewis appreciates those who have helped her attain the opportunity to compete after high school.
“The support of my family has always been huge,” Lewis said. “I don't think my mom has missed any of my tournaments ever. We have been from coast to coast together on volleyball trips and I wouldn't want to do it with anyone else.”
