NORTH BAY, Ont. - Maddie Barnes (North Bay, Ont.) and Kennedie Ward (North Bay, Ont.) are officially welcomed to the Canadore Panthers women's volleyball team.

Barnes, a 5-foot-11 middle blocker, played for Widdifield Secondary, winning NDA every year and NOSSA twice. She also played for the Wildcat club in 2009 and 2010, and then the Lakers club in 2011 and 2012, winning silver in Division 2 at provincials.

Maddie says, "I'm very excited to become a Panther, both by playing on a varsity team and academically. Being able to play the sport I love at the varsity level, and getting a diploma and degree that I am interested in, truly is a win-win-win."

Head coach Stephanie Hancock says, "I was looking to add a strong blocker in my line-up. I think with some foot work training over the summer, Maddie will fit right into the OCAA league play. She's hardworking and dedicated to the sport, and it helps our team chemistry that she has some previous playing experience with a few of my current players."

Ward, a 5-foot-8 outside hitter, played for Chippewa Secondary.

Kennedie says, "I'm very happy to be back playing volleyball and I know that playing for the Panthers and the education I receive will provide me structure, excellent work ethic and opportunities for my future. I'm excited to help build on last year's success."

Coach Hancock says, "Kennedie's commitment this year was a pleasant surprise. After aggressively recruiting her for the 2013-14 season, she informed me she would take a year off. Her dedication this year shows me she has truly settled in to her own, and I cannot wait to help coach her into the outside hitter I can only imagined she dreamed of being this past year."

Source: Canadore College