A look at the captain of the women’s volleyball team
By Davie Wong, Sports Reporter
Juliana Penner is a fourth year player and the captain of the women’s volleyball team. She is entering her second year as a Royal and plays wing. She is at Douglas finishing an Arts degree with the intention of obtaining her Bachelor’s in Physical Education and Coaching (BPEC).
Penner has been playing competitively since the seventh grade and is nearing her tenth year of play. When she started, she played for her school, followed by playing for a club, followed by beach volleyball; which meant she played essentially year-round.
While she played volleyball, she also played ice hockey and basketball at a competitive level. However, after high school, she made the decision to stop playing ice hockey and basketball competitively to focus on volleyball full time.
She chose volleyball because of the games emphasis on strategy and skill rather than physicality and strength. The non-contact aspect of the sport allowed her to focus on playing strategically without having to worry about being hit by rougher players.
Juliana is in her second year of captaincy with the team. Last year she had the chance to shape the culture of the team and this year she is looking to build and refine upon that. On the court, she is a calm and composed figure who leads her team by example. Off the court, Penner enjoys creating lasting bonds and friendships with her teammates; preferring to talk about personal aspects.
Her goals this year, for the team and herself, is to be the best team in the province and have a shot at a National title. It would be Penner’s second National title, as she won her first with UFV in 2012.
After college, Penner hopes to teach outdoor physical education at a school or similar institution.