Kodiaks women’s volleyball signs Olivia Wideman

The Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks women’s volleyball team signed Calgary-based outside hitter, Olivia Wideman, for the upcoming season.

Wideman was the varsity volleyball captain for Bearspaw Christian School where she was named an all-star this past season. She also played volleyball competitively for the U17 Lions Volleyball Club.

“Olivia is very aggressive on offence and defence,” says Kodiaks head coach Anna Schwark “Along with this, she has a strong IQ and is able to make smart decisions when the play isn't perfect.” 

She reached out to the Kodiaks via email and after going back-and-forth with Coach Schwark, she came to Lethbridge to practise with the team.

“I really wanted a team that was really encouraging and friendly,” says Wideman. “As soon as I came to the first practice, everyone was welcoming and nice to me.”

Schwark believes Wideman is coming in with a great foundation as a first year and, though she will be young, she has a real opportunity to make herself and her teammates better through her play. Schwark hope to see Wideman’s confidence continue to grow as she steps into her own role as a leader.

“I expect to see Olivia continue to improve her skills. She is very athletic and smart on the court so I think we will be able to push her and see progress early,” says Schwark.

Wideman is looking forward to the experience of moving from home and starting her own journey with the team. “They’ve created a great team culture here and I’m excited to join,” says Wideman.

Wideman has been accepted to the Interior Design Technology program at Lethbridge Polytechnic and will start classes in the fall.