Recruit Announcement: Ryan McGillivray to join Vikings Women's Volleyball

Posted: Apr 28, 2026

1. What position do you play?

I am a setter

2. How long have you played your sport? Where did you play your high school and club sport?

I have been playing volleyball for seven years now. Growing up, I played for my high school team at Provost Public High School. Up until this year, I have played for Momentum Volleyball Club out of Lloydminster for the last three years. But this year, I am playing for the U18 Huskies Premier out of Saskatoon.

3. What are your personal goals as a player at Augustana?

Some of my personal goals at Augustana are to push myself every time I step into the gym, not only for personal growth but also to push my teammates. I also want to get to know my teammates well, and what kind of players they are, so I can give them the best ball they need to succeed. I also want to stay true to what kind of leader I am and the leadership I can bring to the team. Mainly, coming into a new season with a new team, I want to give everything I can and take on whatever role the team needs to succeed. My Physical goals are to increase my vertical and improve my decision-making skills. Along with knowing what kind of ball each hitter needs to excel.

4. What academic program are you enrolled in and why?

I am enrolled in a Bachelor of Science in Integrative Biology as a undergrad. I really enjoy my sciences, especially biology. I decided to take this program as my undergrad so that it leaves a lot of doors open for me, since I am unsure of what I want to take later (Psychology or Veterinary Medicine).

5. Why did you choose Augustana Campus and the University of Alberta?

I decided on the Augustana Campus because of the small classes that are very similar to my small-town feel. I love the family-like culture in Camrose. Also, I love the Camrose location, as it is a nice mixture of city and small town, but I can also get a University degree. Getting a strong education will always be something I prioritize, and being able to be a part of the University of Alberta was a big deciding factor in where I wanted to see myself for the next 4 or 5 years because of their strong academic programs.

6. Who is someone that inspired you to play?

From a very young age, I was in the gym watching my mom play, so ever since I was a little girl, I knew I was going to play volleyball because I wanted to be just like her. In my grade 10 year in high school, I was coached by Lauren Heck, and she inspired my dream of playing college since she was just coming back from her college years at King's University. Now, I have the privilege to be in the gym with Team Canada setters like Ella Grapentine and Olivia Orosz, and they inspire me to keep pushing myself each practice.

7. What other hobbies do you have?

When I am not in the gym, I enjoy riding my horse. I am a professional Trick rider, and I love to barrel race too. I also enjoy running, yoga, reading books, and spending time outside.

8. What drives you to succeed?

Something that always drives me to succeed is remembering my why and never losing sight of my love for the game. This club year, I learned a lot about taking slow moments to be grateful for opportunities in the midst of all the grind and hard work. My biggest motto to myself that pushes me to get better and reach my goals is "Your only job is to just try to be the best you can be." Having this mentality reminds me that I am always in the process of becoming, and there's always room to improve.