(This story continues a series of articles profiling student athletes from Sault College's varsity programs. All photos and stories are submitted by the Sault College Athletic Department.)
*** COUGAR PROFILE OF THE WEEK:
Kerri Senko
This week's profile belongs to a member of the Women's Volleyball team. Kerri Senko has been with Sault College Varsity Athletics for four years – the maximum years of eligibility under OCAA rules.
Although she is now considered a retired veteran to the OCAA league, her contribution to the Sault College volleyball program will never be forgotten.
Senko, although standing at a mere 5'3, has contributed to her team in a big way. In addition to playing the Libero position all four years, she has started in the majority of volleyball matches. Her teammates depend on her to dig up the ball for defence and to generate the all important first pass for offensive.
Senko over the years has captured many awards for her talent of the game. As a graduate of White Pines Highschool, she walked away with 'Outstanding graduating Female Athlete of the Year'. It wasn't until her third year as a Lady Cougar when she captured a multitude of honours.
The 2003-2004 season was a great year for Senko and her teammates when they finished second in the West region, and qualified for the OCAA Provincial Championships (for only the second time in Cougar history).
Kerri represented Sault College in the All-star Volleyball Game, and walked away with an additional two awards, The Referee's Association Award, for best representing the game with fair play and sportsmanship, and The Cougar Pride Award.
In her rookie season with the Lady Cougars, Senko was asked about her personal and team goals for the upcoming seasons, and she stated that she would inevitably "maintain team spirit, appreciate and respect team-mates and coaches, and have fun". Kerri has managed to do this her entire career with the Cougars.
"It has been an absolute privilege to have coached Kerri these past years. As a player her position doesn't tend to get lots of recognition stats wise although I can safely say that she has been one of the best libero's in the league," said head coach Jeremy Murdoch.
"It's going to be tough filling Kerri's shoes next year, and I'm not talking about her position. Many girls can play good defense, but the combination of her skill, confidence and energy is going to be difficult to replace. I am definitely going to miss her!"
Good luck Kerri, we wish you the very best!