Middle blocker has been a strong position for the Niagara College women's volleyball the past few seasons. 

Stoney Creek native Alexandria Botelho earned OCAA second-team all-star honours as a third year student-athlete in 2014.  Last season, Nicole Schoonderwoerd (Tavistock) capped a solid career by earning OCAA second-team all-star honours as well.

This year, Niagara College head coach Joey Martins believes that new recruit Jasmine Thome will help continue the Knights dominance at the middle position.

"I'm excited about what Jasmine brings to this program," said Martins.  "Her experience and work ethic makes her a player that her teammates can rely on."

A native of Kenora, Ontario, Thome has plenty of experience playing at the varsity level.  She spent four seasons playing with the Brock University volleyball team, where she earned a degree in Physical Education.     

"She is a very good athlete with great jumping ability," added Martins.  "She is what we look for in a middle blocker. Look for her to be a stable rock for us on the court, and her versatility and experience will be a real asset."

After graduating from Brock, Thome became a CrossFit instructor, demonstrating her natural athletic ability every day at work.  Looking to further her career and knowledge regarding the importance of living a healthy, active lifestyle, Thome will enroll in the exercise science for health and performance graduate program at Niagara College.

"The one-year exercise science program at Niagara College is the perfect program for me," said Thome.  "It allows for me to further my education and gain practical, real-life experience."

The 2015-16 OCAA women's volleyball regular season will get underway October 22 at the Welland Campus Athletic Centre, when the Knights host the Fanshawe Falcons.