Indiana University Athletics
Three to Attend Team Canada NextGen Selection Camp
4/27/2023 8:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
RICHMOND, B.C. -Â Indiana volleyball head coach Steve Aird will accompany former defensive specialist Haley Armstrong and rising junior outside hitter Mady Saris to the Team Canada NextGen Selection Camp this weekend (April 29-May 3).
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The pair of Hoosiers will spend the week competing in a team-style training camp, focusing on technical and tactical development with other identified Canadian athletes.
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All athletes will have access to a full coaching staff and will get first-hand experience and training in international volleyball and senior team competition.
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"I am excited and honored to work with the Canadian National Team Program. I have been so impressed with the entire program over the past few years," Aird said. "I am hopeful they continue their push to qualify for the Olympics in Paris and that their Next Gen Teams build on that culture of competitive excellence."
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Armstrong, a four-year player for IU, wrapped up her collegiate career in 2022 after recording 705 digs and 156 assists across 73 matches. She has experience playing with the Canadian Junior National Team and was one of Aird's first recruits to follow him to Bloomington.
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"Haley has finished up at IU and is looking toward the next stage of her career," Aird said. "She has excellent skills and a very good understanding of the system that Canada is looking to play. The libero position is so important, and I have no doubt that the program will value her experience, approach, and demeanor."
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Saris, one of the conference's most prolific pins, started all 32 matches in 2022, finishing fifth in the conference in kills with 427. She compiled the most kills in a season by an IU athlete in 11 years and had double-digit kills in 26 matches on the season.
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The Burlington, Ontario native owns 695 kills in two seasons at IU. She has played for the Canadian Junior National Team before, helping them to silver at NORECECA and a spot at the World Championships in 2019.
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"Mady was one of the top scorers in the Big Ten last season as a sophomore," Aird said. "She has put in an extraordinary amount of work this spring and is excited to train this week. I think in time she will be a very important part of the equation for Team Canada. Her habits and work rate are excellent, and I am excited for their staff to see how far Mady has progressed in the last 6 months.
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Potential competition opportunities for selected athletes will include the U23 Pan Am Cup in Dominican Republic from July 17-23 (those born in 2001 or later), Pan Am Cup in Puerto Rico from August 4-13 and the Pan Am Final Six in the Dominican from October 7-15.
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The Canadian National Team will also train to compete for a spot at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
Â
The pair of Hoosiers will spend the week competing in a team-style training camp, focusing on technical and tactical development with other identified Canadian athletes.
Â
All athletes will have access to a full coaching staff and will get first-hand experience and training in international volleyball and senior team competition.
Â
"I am excited and honored to work with the Canadian National Team Program. I have been so impressed with the entire program over the past few years," Aird said. "I am hopeful they continue their push to qualify for the Olympics in Paris and that their Next Gen Teams build on that culture of competitive excellence."
Â
Armstrong, a four-year player for IU, wrapped up her collegiate career in 2022 after recording 705 digs and 156 assists across 73 matches. She has experience playing with the Canadian Junior National Team and was one of Aird's first recruits to follow him to Bloomington.
Â
"Haley has finished up at IU and is looking toward the next stage of her career," Aird said. "She has excellent skills and a very good understanding of the system that Canada is looking to play. The libero position is so important, and I have no doubt that the program will value her experience, approach, and demeanor."
Â
Saris, one of the conference's most prolific pins, started all 32 matches in 2022, finishing fifth in the conference in kills with 427. She compiled the most kills in a season by an IU athlete in 11 years and had double-digit kills in 26 matches on the season.
Â
The Burlington, Ontario native owns 695 kills in two seasons at IU. She has played for the Canadian Junior National Team before, helping them to silver at NORECECA and a spot at the World Championships in 2019.
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"Mady was one of the top scorers in the Big Ten last season as a sophomore," Aird said. "She has put in an extraordinary amount of work this spring and is excited to train this week. I think in time she will be a very important part of the equation for Team Canada. Her habits and work rate are excellent, and I am excited for their staff to see how far Mady has progressed in the last 6 months.
Â
Potential competition opportunities for selected athletes will include the U23 Pan Am Cup in Dominican Republic from July 17-23 (those born in 2001 or later), Pan Am Cup in Puerto Rico from August 4-13 and the Pan Am Final Six in the Dominican from October 7-15.
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The Canadian National Team will also train to compete for a spot at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
Players Mentioned
Defensive Specialist
/ Women's Volleyball
Outside Hitter
/ Women's VolleyballWednesday, August 05
Monday, August 03
Monday, August 03
Monday, August 03