In her first season, Virden’s Megan Nahachewsky has stepped in and played a big role for the Lakehead University women’s volleyball team.
Through Sunday, the daughter of Tarin and Don Nahachewsky was second on the team in points per set with a 2.1 average. The Thunder Bay-based school squad competes at the U Sports level, the highest in Canadian university sports.
“She has come in with an open mind and is willing to do what the team has asked from her,” Lakehead University head coach Craig Barclay said. “She is extremely athletic and a smart attacker. All of this and more have helped her contribute to our program so far.”
Nahachewsky was pounding down kills at a rate of 1.89 per set. That had her tied for the Thunderwolves’ lead, while she was third in digs per set at 1.76.
“Megan is a very smart attacker,” Barclay said. “She has a variety of shots that she can use. Most importantly, she is able to use the block in front of her.”
Nahachewsky said that university volleyball is different from club and high school in regard to the high level of both commitment and play.
“We practice or work out almost everyday and once the season started in the fall, we had games most weekends,” she said. “The level of play is definitely a lot faster and the ball comes at you a lot harder.”
Nahachewsky said she is very grateful for the opportunity given to her as a student-athlete for the Thunderwolves.
“The thing I have enjoyed most while playing at Lakehead University is playing with and against so many great volleyball players, and being coached by Coach Craig and his staff,” she said. “The whole team motivates each other and works hard to achieve success. All the Thunderwolf teams come out and support each other when they can. We also have a lot Lakehead students and the community that come out to our games, as well. Home games are a lot fun.”
A nursing student, Nahachewsky is enjoying life off the court and in the classroom in Thunder Bay, which she described as not too big.
“I enjoy studying here because of all the support I have,” she said. “Professors want you to succeed and so do all of my peers. I enjoy living in Thunder Bay because of all the new friends I have met that support me with my school work and on the volleyball court. They are like my home away from home.”
To earn her opportunity at Lakehead University took a lot of hard work. Nahachewsky said she had great coaches on school teams, in club, and on Team Manitoba.
“They all helped me in different aspects of the game. I am very grateful for all of them.”
Nahachewsky is also grateful for the massive amount of support her parents and older sister Taylor have given her throughout her volleyball career.
“They have always been my number one fans and always encouraged me to do my best, whether its on the court or off the court,” she said. “In school and club volleyball, they never missed a game, and they have even made it to Thunder Bay this fall to watch a few games, too. If it weren't for them driving me to practices and tournaments and teaching me new things, I wouldn't be the person I am today.”
Barclay said that Nahachewsky is a great addition to the program and the Thunderwolves are very happy to have her.
“She has a contagious laugh and infectious personality,” he said. “We are looking forward to seeing her progress over the years.”
