Panther setter signs with Kings College in Halifax
Glenboro Panther’s 5’10 setter, Jane McLean recently signed with the Kings Volleyball team in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She was also one of the only two team members awarded an academic scholarship. The Kings reached out to Jane last July explaining that they were on the lookout for a setter, and requested Jane give the college team serious consideration.
The proposal was appealing to Jane due to Kings College strong academic program as well. “My goal is to enter medicine once I get a Bachelor of Science and Dalhousie has a great program,” she explained. The intent to apply came easily following a visit to Halifax and the campus last September. During the visit, Jane had on-court experience pRacticing with the team comprised of players from all over Canada. “I felt comfortable with everyone and we are all in the same boat being so far from home. I loved Halifax and the ocean,” she exclaimed.
Her introduction to volleyball began in the 7th grade when she joined club volleyball. In that first year she got a feel for the game, playing all positions and it was through that experience that her vision was on either setter or middle position. “I just loved the game. I go out there and have fun. Being a setter is appealing to me because I like running the offense, knowing the plays how to set my team mates up.” Panther’s Assistant Coach Angie Gudnason expounded on that by and commenting, “Jane has a great volleyball IQ and is also a very effective server. She’s a great leader on and off the court and a great role model for the younger players.”
Jane’s aunt, Dara Johnson (nee McLean), a former Glenboro Panther and MHSAA Athlete of the year, is Jane’s mentor; “She was the reason I wanted to go further in volleyball.” Jane got in a lot of extra practice working on her skills with her dad and two former Panther coaches; Daryl Ford and Rick Scott.
This past season was a tough one; the Panthers were ranked 9th when they were faced against St. Rose in the provincial qualifier. “We were down by a lot but we came from behind to earn our spot, that was so exciting! Until then we weren’t sure we would be part of the provincials,” remembered Jane. When asked what the season highlight was, she didn’t hesitate before answering unequivocally that it was winning the semi-finals at the Provincials and coming home with the Silver medal. The semi- final match had the Panthers on court with Reston which had been a high ranked team all season. “I still can’t believe we won against Reston in two straight games. It was unbelievable!”
Jane received the Players Choice Award at the Provincial A Championship and was the Manitoba High School Athletic Association Athlete of the Week. While she loves volleyball and enjoys basketball, track and softball, her top priority has always been her academics. “I have always loved reading and school has always been my top priority.” She presently holds at 97% average in university entry courses.
Jane is the daughter of Devin and Andrea McLean of Glenboro.
PHOTO CAPTION: Jane McLean of Glenboro is taking her talents to the East coast as she has signed with Kings College in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
