Anne Louise Gie commits to U of M Bisons Volleyball

For Anne Louise Gie of Baldur, volleyball has always been more than a sport. It is a passion that has shaped her high school years, pushed her to become a better athlete and now opened the door to an exciting future with the University of Manitoba Bisons.

Gie has committed to playing volleyball with the U of M, a goal that reflects years of hard work, countless hours of practice and a willingness to go the extra mile to improve her game.

“I’ve just always been obsessed with it,” Gie said, recalling how, in Grades 7 and 8, she would hound the gym teacher to let the class play volleyball.

By Grade 9, that enthusiasm had developed into a serious commitment to the sport. She began playing club volleyball with Westman Volleyball Club in Brandon, where she spent three years developing her skills and competing at a higher level.

Her dedication has meant plenty of travel for both Gie and her family. When she first started playing club, the commitment involved driving approximately an hour each way to practices three times a week.

“I’m so lucky to have my parents because they said as much work as I’m willing to put in, they’ll put in as well,” she said.

One of the biggest milestones came this past summer when she earned a place on Team Manitoba Gold Red, the provincial U-18 team. The opportunity followed a competitive tryout process attracting 70 athletes throughout the province.

After making the team, Gie joined her teammates for several weeks of intensive training in Winnipeg. Practices were held four days a week at Sport Manitoba, with strength and conditioning sessions twice weekly.

The demanding schedule meant driving approximately two hours each way from Baldur to Winnipeg on practice days.

The training environment helped her develop her game and learn from experienced coaches.

“I don’t think I’ve ever gotten that good that fast in my whole life,” she said.

She described the coaching as the most technically detailed she had experienced, with an emphasis on performing skills correctly rather than simply repeating them.

Gie said several coaches have described her as very coachable, a quality she works to maintain by approaching training with a positive attitude.

“I try my best to always have a smile on my face and take criticism very openly,” she said.

She also views the opportunity to play volleyball as a privilege.

“I am a big believer that playing volleyball is a privilege, so I focus on how lucky I am to be where I am and try to make the most of all the opportunities I am given,” she said sincerely.

One of those opportunities was competing at the Canada Cup in Regina with Team Manitoba. The experience included reviewing game footage, scouting opponents and learning to prepare strategically for competition.

Gie will continue developing her skills with the Junior Bisons program, beginning in January. The program will give her an opportunity to prepare for the transition to university volleyball while learning from experienced coaches and playing alongside other athletes working toward the same goal.

Gie is also captain of the girls’ volleyball team at Prairie Mountain High School. With several Grade 12 players having graduated, younger athletes have taken on greater responsibilities, and she sees leadership as an important part of her role.

She tries to motivate her teammates, encourage them to warm up properly and communicate on the court. Gie recognizes that her competitive nature and intensity can sometimes be a lot, but after speaking with her teammates she learned they appreciate her passion and communication during games.

Her development has also been influenced by coaches and mentors who have helped shape her approach to the game.

Riley Kemp of Cartwright coached her during Grades 9 and 10, helping make the sport enjoyable while challenging her to improve. Another important influence has been Tammy Mahon who grew up in Holland and is a former member and captain of Team Canada.

Gie attended a volleyball clinic led by Mahon and later saw her at provincials, where Mahon was a guest speaker. Gie admires Mahon’s focus and the seriousness she brings to the game, even when working on the most basic drills.

Mahon recalls meeting Gie at the clinic and described her as a lovely young woman. She believes Gie has the qualities needed to continue progressing in the sport.

“Anne Louise will be a great addition to the Bison line up. She brings with her a great attitude, strong work ethic and is a dynamic, versatile player out on the court! The energy she brings along with her desire to improve and learn will take her to the next level.”

The Bisons coaching staff also sees significant potential in the young athlete.

Joe Moore praised Gie’s personality and competitive drive, noting that her positive attitude is evident both on and off the court.

“Anne has an amazing personality on and off the court. I can’t think of an interaction where she hasn’t been smiling, and it’s contagious. This does not, however, dismiss the competitor within. It is evident that she wants to improve in all aspects of her game, and she has garnered much attention with her athleticism and work ethic.

“Anne is a strong athlete with tremendous upside that will see her develop into a true six-rotation player. She is physical at the net, has a high contact point and is a tenacious defender. She possesses a strong spin serve, which will only improve with time, and she is not afraid to hit the ball.

“We are thrilled to have her joining our program and contributing to our culture here at Manitoba.”

University of Manitoba Bisons head coach Ken Bentley said Gie stood out not only for her athletic ability but also for her maturity and the expectations she sets for herself.

“At first glance, Anne Louise is a very strong athlete, capable of playing at the top level of volleyball in Canada. This is clearly an important requirement for our program. What sold me on her during our initial Zoom meeting was her maturity, her poise, and the fact that she has high goals and expectations of herself. I was thoroughly impressed and by the end of the call I felt very strongly that she would be a perfect fit for our program.

“Specifically, she is a dynamic athlete with powerful arm swing and is generally a great athlete. All her skills are there, and our joint goal will be to refine those skills as a six-rotation player over time. It is obvious she will be an exceptional athlete to coach and is always locked in on any conversation.

“The overriding reason for our interest in Anne Louise is her overall vibe. She will fit in perfectly with us, and we are thrilled to have her join our program next season”

While Volleyball is an important part of Gie’s future, she is equally focused on her education. She plans to pursue a Bachelor of Commerce at the Asper School of Business, with the goal of becoming an accountant and eventually earning a master’s degree in accounting.

Balancing school, athletics and travel will bring new challenges, but Gi’s commitment to improving and making the most of the opportunities available to her has helped bring her to this point.

From asking to play volleyball in gym class to earning a place in the Bisons program, Gie’s journey reflects the effort she has invested in the sport and the support of the people who have encouraged her along the way.

As she prepares for the next stage, she will carry the same enthusiasm, competitive spirit and willingness to learn into university volleyball.

PHOTO CAPTION: Baldur’s Anne Louise Gie will join the University of Manitoba next fall to continue her volleyball career with the Bisons.