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More Avalanche players graduate up to university volleyball

Last week, the UBC Okanagan Heat picked up Nick Schmidt, and now more of his COTR teammates are joining him at the university level.
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College of the Rockies Avalanche players Jack Newman (14)

Last week, the UBC Okanagan Heat team picked up Nick Schmidt from the Avalanche volleyball program, and now more of his former college teammates are joining him at the university level.

Brady Atwood, who just finished up his second year with the College of the Rockies, has signed on to play for the Grant MacEwan Griffins for the 2014-15 season. Atwood, a left side and middle, put his big 6' 4" frame to good use at the college level, and has the physical attributes to make an impact at the CIS level.

He studied university transfer courses during his tenure at COTR and will be working towards a bachelor in science at Grant McEwan.

Joining Atwood at the CIS level is fellow Avalanche teammate Jack Newman, who has signed on with the UBC Thunderbirds in Vancouver. Newman was a key member of the Avs last year and developed into one of the strongest attackers in the Pacwest league.

Despite only one season in a COTR uniform, he proved that he is capable of stepping up to the next level based on his intensity and hard work. Like Atwood, Newman will also be working towards a bachelor of science after taking university transfer courses.

"We are thrilled to see the hard work of Nick, Brady, and Jack paying off," said Avalanche head coach Steve Kamps. "[The] College of the Rockies volleyball program continues to develop players to move onto CIS. The transferability of the programs and courses offered at the college helps these athletes and all students, easily move from college to universities throughout Western Canada."