Experienced middle blocker Sofia Janzen joins Kodiaks women's volleyball team

The Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks women’s volleyball program has added a key piece to its roster for the upcoming season with the signing of middle blocker Sofia Janzen. 

Originally from Carseland, Alta., Janzen will return to Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) competition after previously playing for the Keyano College Huskies. 

Janzen is wrapping up her first year in the polytechnic’s Agriculture Sciences program, a direction inspired by her family’s background in farming. Although she didn’t suit up last season, Janzen says her love for the game is alive and well. 

“I wasn’t really ready to play volleyball last year, but I’ve been missing it the past couple of months,” Janzen says. “So, I reached out to Anna [Schwark] and then started practising with the team in January.”

“I recalled her as an athlete and knew she had good experience playing in the middle position,” says Schwark, head coach of the women’s volleyball team. “As we were looking to bring on a couple of middle blockers for the upcoming season, it was a real advantage for her having played in the league before.” 

On the court, Janzen brings athleticism and strong offensive instincts to the Kodiaks.

“She can redirect the ball when attacking very effectively, and it can make her tough to get a read on,” adds Schwark. “Her strength right now has been offense.”

In addition to her skill set, Schwark says Janzen’s mindset and leadership qualities also stand out.

“Our first meeting with Sofia, she made it clear she had a lot of high expectations regarding team culture,” Schwark says. “That let me know she was not only important as a player but also as a teammate. I hope she continues to hold the same standards throughout her playing career and lead others toward those standards as well.”

With her experience and determination, Janzen is expected to make an immediate impact as the Kodiaks continue to build toward a competitive 2025 campaign.