Cougars Secure Nunavut Recruit, Alayna Ningeongan

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WVB

Alayna Ningeongan, Nunavut athlete, signs with Cougars women’s volleyball team for the 2021-22 season, becoming only the second prospect, in program history, after Tristen Diaz in 2015, became the first Cougars athlete from Rankin Inlet, Nunavut.

Alayna Ningeongan, a 5’7” middle with a passion for sports, wasn’t able to venture into the sport of volleyball until it became an established sport in Nunavut, from there she was able to develop a love for the game. When she is not on the court, she can be found in her element outdoors where she enjoys camping, hunting and fishing.

Over the years she has represented her province in the Team Nunavut Arctic Winter Games in 2012, 2014 and 2016 as well as at the North American Indigenous Games in 2014.

“My experience representing Nunavut, as well as playing recreational volleyball here in Brandon for the past five years, has helped me make the decision to join the Cougars,” said Ningeongan.

Ningeongan has lived in Brandon for the past five years while completing her Bachelor’s of Physical Education majoring in Recreation and Sports Management through Brandon University. Making it a point to give back to her community Ningeongan makes the journey home whenever possible, Ningeongan is set to be a part of the 2022 Canada Summer Games Aboriginal Apprenticeship Coaching Program.

Head Coach Jeff Maxwell praises the experience that Ningeongan will bring to the young team this year.

“Alayna is very athletic and we believe she will develop quickly into a strong player,” said Maxwell.

After successfully attaining her degree in Recreation and Sports Management, Alayna is enrolled in the Human Resource Management program in the fall to further her future career in leadership.