(FREDERICTON, NB) The UNB REDS women’s volleyball team is adding versatile 6’0” middle and outside hitter Danielle Krzywonos to their recruiting class of 2023.

The 17-year-old, completing her Grade 12 year at Cobequid Education Centre, in her hometown of Truro, Nova Scotia, has signed a U SPORTS Letter of Intent and will join the REDS ahead of the 2023-2024 Atlantic University Sport season.

“Danielle’s size and overall athleticism were what drew me to her,” said REDS head coach Richard Schick. “But after speaking with her, I was even more impressed by her maturity.”

Schick says he first saw Krzywonos while recruiting current REDS’ libero Jenna Adams. At the time, they were CEC teammates.

“She has played mostly middle throughout her development, but has more recently been playing on the outside,” said Schick. “She’s definitely someone who has the ability to play multiple positions, which really allows us to explore more options with what she and we could possibly do as a group.”

“I really like Coach Schick’s style and his vision for the team,” said Krzywonos. “I’m inspired by what he’s building and am super excited to be part of it.”

A member of the CEC’s varsity girls’ volleyball team since 2022, Krzywonos was part of the Cougars’ 2021 provincial championship team.

She’s playing the 2022 club season with the Fall River Fury U18 side after two seasons with the Truro Cougars’ U18 team.

She is a participant in Vollyeball Nova Scotia’s Provinical Excellence Program, as well as the province’s Target Athlete Program.

Krzywonos was a member of Nova Scotia’s U18 team in 2020, 2021 and 2022, and was selected as an alternate for the province’s 2022 Canada Games Team.

“I’m passionate about volleyball and I have a strong work ethic,” she said. “I’m coachable, competitive and want the team to succeed.”

“She’s the complete package of student and athlete who knows what she wants to accomplish, both in the classroom and on the court,” said Schick. “She’s had good coaching at every level. This is a recruiting win for us.”

Krzywonos, who will study Engineering while attending UNB, is excited about the program’s future.

“I see the REDS winning AUS championships and competing for U SPORTS championships.”

PHOTOS: Submitted