Shanti Dias, the 2020 female Athlete of the Year from Nunavut, has committed to attend Holland College this fall.

From Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, the 5’7” student-athlete will study in the Sport and Recreation Management program.

“Coming from a small community in Nunavut, I wanted to experience life outside of my hometown,” shared Dias.  “I have visited the East Coast and always knew I wanted to go back.  Once I looked up the Holland College Athletics Department, I knew it was the college I wanted to attend.  The volleyball program in particular was important to me as the court has always been a second home for me.”

Dias has played with the Rankin Royals in the past, as well as with Team Nunavut, competing in the North American Indigenous Games, Arctic Winter Games, Canada Games and the Western Canada Games. In 2018 she was named the most valuable player at the Nunavut territorials while academically, she was the recipient of the English Academic award in 2019, and the Most Outstanding Grade 12 Student in 2020.

Dias is described as a strong all-around player with a high volleyball IQ.  She is a good teammate with excellent defensive abilities.

“I will bring my passion for the sport to the Hurricanes this fall,” she said.  “I’ve been able to continue my training on the court and in the gym. I’m confident my dedication to improving myself and my techniques will push me to be a strong asset the to the ‘Canes next season.”

The Hurricanes women’s volleyball team won the 2020 Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association (ACAA) championship for the first time in team history.  The 2021 season was not played due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I’m hoping we can get back into competitive action and give the fans something to cheer about. I think our team will be exciting to watch and the Hurricanes fans will have something to cheer about.”

The ‘Canes are expected to host the 2022 Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Women’s Volleyball National Championship next March at the Holland College McMillan Centre for Community Engagement in Charlottetown, after the event was cancelled in 2021.

Connect with the women’s volleyball Hurricanes at www.twitter.com/caneswvball and www.instagram.com/caneswvball.

For more information on the Holland Hurricanes, please visit www.hollandhurricanes.com, www.facebook.com/hollandhurricanes, www.twitter.com/hc_hurricanes and www.instagram.com/hollandhurricanes.

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