Powerful Panther’s Middle signs with Lake Region Royals
Standing at six feet; 17-year-old Lexie Shearer has been a force to contend with as a middle with the Glenboro Panther’s Volleyball team. Her powerful spikes have dominated the court, leading her to being named one of the Volleyball Manitoba Graduating All Stars and a recent commitment with Lake Region College in Devils Lake, Minnesota. Lexie is the youngest daughter of Ryan and Wendy Shearer of Wawanesa but has been a Glenboro High School student since the tenth grade.
“Sports has always been a huge part of my family’s life; a few years ago all 12 of the Shearer kids were in hockey at the same time,” she said grinning. Lexie played hockey until the tenth grade when she traded in her skates for knee pads and joined club volleyball out of Brandon. Her first team was the Cats coached by Devin McLean of Glenboro. “Volleyball felt like a natural fit for me.” Said Lexie further explaining, “On the ice wearing hockey equipment I felt awkward like I didn’t have any control of my limbs; but it was so different with volleyball. I felt comfortable and that helped my confidence.”
The Panthers have earned their way to the provincials for the past two years; however due to an injury last year, Lexie found herself sitting on the bench with a broken ankle wearing a boot. “It was devastating to sit on the sidelines and watch,” remembered the young athlete. Although she was able to take part in the provincials this year, Lexie did have a scare almost a year to the day of last year’s injury when she took a tumble and thought she broke it again. “The thought of sitting on the sidelines again hurt more than my ankle; but thankfully it was just a sprain and I was able to play in the provincials.”
When asked if there was anyone in particular that she looked up to for motivation and guidance her answer was quick and assured; “My sister Jen; I watched her juggle her school work and hockey all through her high school years. She showed me that it’s possible to excel at both if you work hard so I took her lead.” She also commented that she is so grateful for all the support and guidance she has received from her parents and coaches.
Lexie is looking forward to the next year and although she will be in a completely different setting and country she is only a few hours away from home and there will be a few familiar faces on her team as well. Former Panther Sienna Gudnason signed on with the Devils last year and another Devil is a former club volleyball team mate. “I had made up my mind quite early that I wanted to go to Lake Region College, in fact,” she quipped, “It was the only college I applied to.”
Lexie and her parents visited Devils Lake in January to meet with the coach and toured the facilities. “It felt good, I’m really excited to go there in August. It’s a huge change from high school to college so choosing a college that I already feel comfortable with sure takes a lot of edge off.”
Lexie Shearer of Wawanesa will attend Lake Region State College this fall. PHOTO SUBMITTED
