Blondeau Returns To Court With New Career Aspirations

Christyn Blondeau is returning to the Cougars women’s volleyball lineup for the 2022-23 season.

Blondeau is a 5’9” outside hitter from Gladstone, Man. She is a solid passer that primarily played in the libero position for the Cougars in 2019-2020, before the pandemic cut her post-secondary career short. Shifting to online learning, Blondeau continued her studies at the college and graduated from the college’s Practical Nursing program in 2021. Since graduating, Blondeau has been working as an LPN at the Neepawa Health Centre and more recently at the Brandon Regional Health Centre where she worked on the front lines, in the COVID unit. On top of all that, she is also completing the Holistic Nursing and Nurse Coach Certification.

“My passion is caring for others while establishing meaningful connections and nursing let’s me do both,” said Blondeau. “I want to run a private Holistic Nurse / Nurse Coach business and offer a variety of natural healing modalities for people. So, I’ve decided to return to the college to get my business diploma.”

Prior to attending the college, she attended and competed for William Morton Collegiate Institute and played club volleyball with the Cats Volleyball Club here in Brandon. Blondeau was a member of the Cats club U18 division 1, tier 4 national silver medalists; U18 provincial silver medalists; and U17 provincial bronze medalists. She is a multisport athlete having also played fastball, basketball and track and field. Blondeau was also a member of her high school’s social justice club, environmental club and served as Student Council President in 2018-19.

“I would be lying if I said I didn’t miss volleyball,” said Blondeau. “When my senior season was cut short I knew I had to get back on the court. I couldn’t be happier to join former teammates and meet new ones!”

“We are excited to add another experienced player who knows how hard a team has to work to be successful,” said coach Kevin Neufeld. “Her versatile skill set will be a great value to the team.”

Blondeau was a high school honour roll student and the recipient of the Robbie Burns Memorial Award for all-around leadership, academics and athletics. With practical experience under her belt, she will be shifting career goals and entering the colleges Business Administration program in the fall.