Volleyball Manitoba is pleased to announce and congratulate the recipients of the 2020 Nikki Redekop Memorial Scholarships recognizing volleyball, leadership and scholastic achievements.
During her lifetime, Nikki Redekop was an inspiration to all who knew her because of her strength and determination both on and off the volleyball court. She loved life and lived by the motto “Life is a Highway, I want to ride it all night long”. This scholarship is in memory of Nikki and her vibrant spirit that was epitomized in her life. Nikki’s love for volleyball was evident very early – she attended Glenlawn Collegiate excelling on the varsity girls volleyball team and was also a part the Provincial Team Program. She went on to play on the University of Winnipeg Wesmen Volleyball Team for two years and on a Senior Women’s Team prior to her passing in 1994.
These $500 scholarships are historically presented as part of Volleyball Manitoba’s Annual Awards Banquet held in June, although the Awards Banquet was cancelled for this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Our first recipient is Shay Kirk, a graduate this year from Vincent Massey High School in Brandon and a member of the Cats Volleyball Club. Shay was team captain on her school team that finished with silver medals at the AAAA MHSAA Championships, was named to the Winnipeg Sun High School Top 10 list, and was selected as a Graduating All-Star and to the All-Manitoba Team. Shay was also a captain of her 18U Cats Club team and continued to be a passionate and positive leader. Her good nature and sportsmanship was often on display as she was always the first player to thank the referees and other coaches for their part in the game. Shay has maintained a 94% academic average in Grade 12, and has volunteered in extra curricular activities such as the Vincent Massey High School Musical and the Vincent Massey High School Potluck Club. Shay is moving east in the fall where she will be attending and playing volleyball at the University of Ottawa.
Our next recipient is Paxton Koop, a graduate this year from the Steinbach Regional Secondary School and a member of the 204 Volleyball Club. Paxton was also the team captain of his high school team that advanced to the AAAA MHSAA Final Four. He was named to the Winnipeg Sun Volleyball Top 10 list, was selected as the AAAA Provincial Championship Players Choice Award Winner, named the SCAC League Most Valuable Player, and earned Graduating All-Star and All-Manitoba Team recognition. Paxton is one of the hardest workers in every practice or workout session, he is a fierce and athletic competitor, but is always fair and always willing to work for every point he gets.
Paxton has maintained an 87% academic average this year and is hoping to become a high school teacher. He has volunteered annually with the community “Pick Up and Walk” clean-up event and at the Unified Basketball tournament at his school, along with attending his youth group at church. He will be playing with the University of Winnipeg Wesmen in the fall of 2020.
Congratulations again to both Shay & Paxton and best of luck to them as they pursue their next levels of academics and volleyball!
