Jamie Brown, a volleyball player from Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks, has signed a professional deal with Engelholms Volleybollsallkap, becoming the first alumna from the women’s Kodiak team to achieve this milestone. Brown, who played 101 matches during her five seasons with the team, was known for her commitment to the program and her work ethic. Her former teammate, Mack Lewicki, expressed pride for Brown and acknowledged the impact she had on the team, both on and off the court.
Steve Ivan, the assistant coach for the Kodiaks women’s volleyball team, played a significant role in Brown’s development, both as an athlete and as a person. Brown credits Ivan with not only improving her game but also teaching her crucial life skills that have shaped her into the person she is today. Brown’s decision to play professionally in Sweden was influenced by her positive experiences with the Kodiaks and the support she received from coaches and teammates.
Brown’s head coach at the Kodiaks, Anna Schwark, also played a pivotal role in her journey to becoming a professional athlete. Schwark coached Brown for all five seasons in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference and was instrumental in helping her make the decision to continue playing volleyball after high school. Brown reflects on the impact Schwark and her Kodiak family had on her decision and expresses gratitude for the opportunity to play for them.
Playing professionally in Sweden, Brown has found a supportive community and a comfortable environment in the town of Engelholms. She appreciates the picturesque location by the ocean, the welcoming atmosphere, and the overall experience of being in a new country. Brown’s success as a professional athlete serves as an inspiration to future players in the Kodiaks Athletics program, demonstrating the potential for young athletes to pursue opportunities at the professional level.
The success of Jamie Brown as the first alumna from the Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks to sign a pro deal highlights the high standard of the program and the potential for other players to reach similar achievements. Brown’s dedication to the Kodiaks and her commitment to the team serve as a model for aspiring athletes looking to follow in her footsteps. With the support of coaches, teammates, and the Kodiaks community, Brown was able to realize her dream of playing volleyball professionally and making a significant impact on the sport.
Overall, Jamie Brown’s journey from a college athlete to a professional volleyball player is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and the support system she had throughout her career with the Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks. The influence of coaches like Steve Ivan and Anna Schwark, as well as the unwavering support of teammates, played a crucial role in Brown’s success. Her story serves as a source of inspiration for current and future Kodiaks athletes, showing that with determination and perseverance, anything is possible in the world of sports.
