By Jasper Moedt (The Cascade) – Email
Print Edition: April 10, 2013
Height: 5’9”
Major: Business
Favourite class: Active Health
Favourite professor: Brian Justin
Favourite food: Tacos
Favourite Abbotsford restaurant: Cactus Club
Favourite musical artist/genre: Everything, really depends on the situation
Kate Bilodeau is one of three graduating seniors from this year’s national championship winning squad. Kate spent time at NAIT and Capilano University before coming to UFV to finish her career. I got the chance to ask Kate a few question about her remarkable season before she graduates and moves on to the next stage of her life.
What drew you to UFV?
I moved to Vancouver in my previous year looking for a change from playing in Alberta for three years. I spent a year at Capilano and after that season I had heard that UFV was looking for players so I contacted Dennis. It has always been my goal to win a national championship. I knew they had done well that year and I knew I hated playing against them so after I came to a practice and checked it out, and it seemed like a good fit.
Best. Decision. Ever.
As a fifth-year player coming into the season, was it difficult to adjust to a new school and team?
New school was no biggie. School is school no matter where I’m at. Minus transferring courses – that sucks. But a new team seemed like it could be a lot more difficult. I was a little worried I wouldn’t fit in or the girls wouldn’t want to invest in building any sort of relationship with me seeing as I would only be here for the one year and they had all known and played with each other for a while. So I was a little nervous but that wasn’t the case at all. Right away it felt like family. I have never been on a team more supportive. It was an amazing feeling coming here and feeling like I belong in this hilarious, extremely diverse group of ladies!
What is the fondest on-court memory you have from this year? Off-court memory?
On the court would definitely be winning nationals when everyone rushed the court. I just remember hugging as many girls as I could [while] crying like a baby. Off the court there are way too many moments to choose just one. Our team trip stands out in my mind. All the shenanigans we got up to, as well as our pre-game dances. I will carry those memories with me for a long time.
What would you say to recruits coming to UFV about playing volleyball here?
First I would say, “great choice!” Then I would tell them to not use the bathrooms by Tims (they smell), always do your homework and work hard at practice. Don’t be afraid to have a little fun!
What are you going to miss about playing volleyball in the university environment?
I miss competing! It’s everything. Dragging yourself to practice can get hard at times but once you’re there everything else melts away and then game days when all you can think about is your game tonight so nothing else that day gets done ‘cause you’re so pumped.
Anything you would like to say about the university/teammates/coaches?
To the university: Thanks for letting me in! All the profs that know about our team’s success have been so supportive and it’s nice to see that [those] outside of the volleyball program care what our team is doing. Our athletic director, school president and vice president have been amazing and so supportive and made this year so wonderful!
To my coaches: Thank you first of all for taking that chance and bringing me onto your team, for believing in my abilities, pushing me, and for all the time and effort put into the team.
To my teammates: You are the best teammates a girl could ask for. I will always hold a special place in my heart for each of you. I hold very dearly the special memories with every single one of you and I appreciate how welcoming you all were. Thanks for such an incredible year full of laughs!
