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Academic honours for Westholme volleyball siblings

VIU standouts Doug and Danielle Groenendijk gain further recognition
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Doug Groenendijk praises the encouragement of his team and coaches. (Photo submitted)

Westholme’s standout volleyball siblings Doug and Danielle Groenendijk are not only top athletes, but among the collegiate elite in the classroom as well.

The Vancouver Island University Mariners women’s team won its second straight national title, with Danielle playing a big part, while Doug helped lead the VIU men to a bronze medal in the nationals.

The Groenendijks added to their impressive credentials on the court by being named Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association Academic All-Canadians. The award is the CCAA’s most prestigious student-athlete honour, epitomizing a commitment to academic success and athletic achievement.

“I am honoured to receive the CCAA Academic All-Canadian two years in a row,” noted Danielle. “Time management is crucial to being a full time student and varsity athlete, as it is important to have a good balance. By being a part of the volleyball team it allows me to take a break from my studies and vice versa; therefore, contributing to my success in both academics and athletics. I am so grateful that I am able to play the sport that I love while furthering my education.”

“Throughout my years of playing university volleyball I was able to fine tune my time management skills, which in my opinion was a crucial part of my academic success,” Doug indicated. “Also by having the team and coaches encouraging me not just on the court, but also in the classroom was a great source of motivation that helped me to excel both on the court and in the classroom.”

The Groenendijks were among nine athletes from VIU and 172 from across the country recognized as CCAA Academic All-Canadians. Only one institution, Holland College in P.E.I., had more Academic All-Canadians than VIU with 10.

The Groenendijks are both alumni of Duncan Christian School.



Don Bodger

About the Author: Don Bodger

I've been a part of the newspaper industry since 1980 when I began on a part-time basis covering sports for the Ladysmith-Chemainus Chronicle.
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