Brent Mutis, CapU Sport Info & Compliance Officer

It may be the offseason but Blues middle blocker Anna Liniewski is playing as much or more volleyball than ever.

It's been a busy summer for the Burnaby North grad as she was practicing twice a day in preparation for the Canada Cup July 20 to 24 in Calgary. The 6-foot-1 18-year-old just got back from the event where her Team British Columbia side played to a fifth-place finish. A loss to Team Manitoba in the playoffs ended any chance of a podium finish but playing at a high level has proved a benefit to Liniewski's game.

"Playing at the provincial level and learning their systems of play allowed me to be faster on my feet, always available on transition, and refining my skills as a middle blocker overall," said Liniewski. "In addition to being challenged by my coaches, I was also positively challenged by my teammates which forced me to improve and play at a higher level than before."

Liniewski played for Team British Columbia last year as well and was able to earn a spot this year on the strength of that showing. She was a key part of the team's presence at the net and in one game at the Canada Cup, she recorded five blocks. 

"This (Canada Cup) is the largest tournament I've competed in, the only other one being in one club nationals in my U16 year with (club team) Ducks," said Liniewski of the event held at Calgary's 7 Chiefs Sportsplex & Jim Starlight Centre. "The loss to Manitoba was an excellent learning curve for us and extremely eye opening. We learned how to come together in times of adversity and how to welcome challenge as a team."

Liniewski continues to train with Team British Columbia and hopes to be part of the roster that travels to Niagara, Ont. for the Canada Games happening Aug. 6 to 18.

This action-packed summer should prove a benefit for Liniewski and the for the Blues as she will be counted on to build on a rookie season that saw her finish among the team leaders in blocks per set. 

The PACWEST volleyball schedule is not yet finalized but plans are for a return to a full schedule in 2022-23 after a pandemic-reduced slate last season.