Broncos bring in Fraser as new Women’s Volleyball Head Coach

Geordie Carragher
Olds College Sports Information

OLDS, AB (July 7, 2022) - No matter where she's played or coached, Sammy Fraser has always heard the cheers from those closest to her in her hometown of Red Deer.

This fall, Fraser will once again hear those cheers in central Alberta, only this time it will be as head coach of the Olds College Broncos women's volleyball team.

"I know everyone always says this but my family truly are my number 1 fans," Fraser said. "They have followed my coaching career all over the country so I know they are so grateful that I am slowly making my way closer to home."

Along with the head coaching responsibilities, Fraser will also assume the role of Camp Coordinator within Broncos Athletics.

In explaining what initially drew her to the Broncos, Fraser pointed to a shared vision of building community as a key factor in keeping her within athletics.

"I've been involved in athletics at various levels over the past 10 years and it can be easy to get consumed by the wins and losses, but it was clear that what OC Athletics is trying to build exceeds far beyond that," Fraser said. "I'm in the business of empowering the people around me to be the best they can possibly be, and after getting to know the staff in the athletic department, I think they are interested in doing the same."

Trina Radcliffe, Athletics Manager at Olds College, is thrilled to have Fraser onboard.

"We are so fortunate to have Sammy joining our Broncos family," Radcliffe said. "I am beyond excited to add a coach with her knowledge, energy and true commitment to developing women on the court, in the classroom and in the community."

As a player, Fraser was a two-time ACAC champion, which she paired with a CCAA bronze medal with her hometown Red Deer College (now Red Deer Polytechnic) Queens in 2010, along with a CCAA silver medal in 2012 with the Mount Royal College (now Mount Royal University) Cougars, where she most recently served as an assistant coach as they moved into U SPORTS competition. In between her stints with Red Deer and Mount Royal, Fraser also spent time with the University of Calgary Dinos women's volleyball program.

Fraser will also coach Team Alberta's 19U side at the upcoming Canada Summer Games in Ontario's Niagara region in August.

Her commitment to youth volleyball development in Alberta began while she was still playing as she teamed up with her friends, including two-time Olympian and Men's Volleyball National Team member Graham Vigrass, to establish a private venture in 2011 with the aim of reaching athletes throughout the province.

"I know what a special experience sport can be and I have always been passionate about bringing opportunities to communities who wouldn't otherwise have them," Fraser said. "It is very full circle for me to now be in a position where I get to help build something special in a town like Olds."

From there, Fraser went on to establish the Jr. Cougars Volleyball Club in 2013, and in developing her coaching style over the years, Fraser has embraced the power of preparation and understanding her 'why', and she sees an opportunity to build a solid foundation with the Broncos squad.

"Working together to build our culture will be a huge focus for our group," Fraser said. "Gone are the days when a coach can single handedly develop the goals of a team. I believe if you truly want to build a legacy that supersedes your time as a leader, it requires a collaborative approach to building a program's culture."

Looking ahead to the 2022-23 season, Fraser is excited for the opportunity to take a blank slate approach to the team on the court, as well as expecting the program to serve as a positive ambassador for Olds College.

"I believe deeply in creating an experience beyond the volleyball court and that is what makes me most excited about being at Olds College," Fraser said. "We are all rooted in our passion for the sport, the community, and lifting up the women in our program."

The women's volleyball Broncos will tip off their 2022-23 season on October 21 at home, as they welcome the Lethbridge College Kodiaks to the Ralph Klein Centre. 

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