WOLFVILLE, NS - Newly appointed head coach of the women's volleyball team, Michelle Wood, is pleased to announce the commitment by Markham, ON native Marissa Chin to join the Acadia Axewomen this coming fall.

Chin, who was named the most valuable player for the St. Augustine High School senior girls volleyball squad for the last three seasons, has an extensive background in High School and Club volleyball in Ontario.

As a member of the Scarborough Titans in 2008-09, Chin captured a gold medal win at the Ontario provincial Tier 2 championship and in 2009-10 repeated as champion with the Toronto Diamonds Club. Marissa was named as the Club's most valuable player at the provincial championship tournament.

Last season Chin played for the Leaside Lightening girls Under 18 club team and grabbed her third provincial gold medal at the Tier 1 level, ranking Leaside fifth overall at the National championship tournament in Toronto, Ont..

Head Coach Michelle Wood is excited about what Marissa brings to the Axewomen. "On top of Marissa's dynamic athleticism, she embodies all of the intangible characteristics we are looking for to build a successful program here at Acadia. She will be a "lead by example" athlete, and we're very excited she has chosen Acadia as her post-secondary institution".

The 17 year old, who will be pursuing a Kinesiology degree, is confident in her choice to attend Acadia. "I chose to attend Acadia University because of its reputation in academics across the country. I'm also excited for the opportunity of being an active member of a sports tradition which has deep roots in its community. Although being far away from home and my family will be a big change, I'm confident that my teammates, classmates, and faculty members will make my experience at Acadia one I'll never forget."

Marissa's coaches with the Leaside Lightning Club are convinced that her commitment to attending Acadia will have a very postive outcome.

"Marissa is a dynamic player blessed with athletic ability and a high volleyball IQ.  Her knowledge of the game along with her speed and ball control will no doubt be an asset as she embarks on her career at Acadia.  She is excited about this new chapter in her life and her goal is to make the Acadia women's volleyball program stronger for years to come", points out Ian Eibbitt, an assistant with Leaside.

While head coach John Child highlighted her athletic ability and great team work.

"Marissa is a very dynamic and athletic player. She is fast, and has excellent jumping ability. Although I have only known Marissa for one year, I quickly learned that she gets along great with everyone, and always has a positive attitude. She will compete hard too and is never looking to cut corners in her workouts and at practice", points out Child.  "Marissa was a starting middle and key player for my Leaside 18U Premier Club team that won the Ontario Championships this year. She really is a pleasure to be around and will be a great asset to Acadia."

Marissa and the Axewomen open up the regular season with the AUS women's volleyball interlock tournament hosted by Dalhousie and Saint Mary's where Acadia opens the tournament against the Montreal Carabins. The Carabins finished fourth overall in last year's CIS Volleyball championship hosted by McMaster, losing in the bronze medal game against McGill. Acadia will play McGill in the last of four games against Quebec teams including Montreal, McGill, Laval and Sherbrooke.