ANCASTER, ON - The Redeemer Royals are excited to welcome Abby Swackhammer to the Women's Volleyball program.

A graduate of Hamilton District Christian High School, Swackhammer joins the Royals after an eight-year career with Mountain Volleyball Club (MVC), most recently competing with the club's 18U team. During her time with MVC, Swackhammer served as team captain for her final three years and was voted MVP of the 18U team.

Now, she is ready to continue her athletic and academic journey at Redeemer while becoming part of the Royals community.

"We are thrilled that Abby has chosen to come to Redeemer and join the women's volleyball program," said Head Coach Kate Grasman. "Abby is an athletic, driven, and disciplined athlete who will add to our current talent of liberos. Abby also has great previous experience with her MVC club team that will serve her well as she starts her career in the OCAA, and she will no doubt make an immediate impact on our squad!"

For Swackhammer, joining Redeemer is about more than continuing her volleyball career. She is excited to become part of the Christian community and grow both athletically and in her faith.

"I love the Christian community, and can't wait to grow in my faith and athletic life!" Swackhammer said.

Her faith will remain at the centre of her experience as a student-athlete. Swackhammer plans to use her time at Redeemer as an opportunity to keep her identity grounded in her relationship with Christ while competing and studying.

"I will use my faith as a reminder that I am a Christian first, volleyball and school are not my identity," Swackhammer said. "And showing God's love in all that I do."

The Royals are excited to welcome Swackhammer to the RU Royal Family as she begins the next chapter of her volleyball career at Redeemer.