GEE-GEES VOLLEYBALL GRAD SIGNS PRO DEAL

Lamey powers to Portugal

Christine Lamey, a CIS all-Canadian, five-season graduate of the Gee-Gees women’s volleyball program, has signed a professional contract to play first-division volleyball this fall in Portugal's Azores Islands. The power hitter will leave Ottawa in early September and report to Clube Desportivo Ribeirense in the community of Lajes do Pico - population 4,840 with a history dating back to 1460 - on the south coast of Pico Island. "I have always wanted to travel and see other places," said Lamey. "It’s mostly about volleyball. The other stuff is just a bonus." A native of Kanata who graduated with a uOttawa Leisure Studies degree in April, Lamey ended five seasons with the Gee-Gees last season by earning 2007-08 OUA player of the year honours along with a first CIS first-team all-Canadian selection – the Gee-Gees first first-team national all-star in 21 years – before following up with a third straight uOttawa female athlete of the year award. "I think the university experience did everything it could," said Lamey, a four-year starter with the Gee-Gees who finished as the 2007-08 CIS leader in both kills (269) and points-per-game (4.74). Lamey, who turns 24 Thursday, is the seventh all-time Gee-Gees women's volleyball player to play internationally. "You go over, have your expenses paid for and get a life experience you could not otherwise get," said Gee-Gees women's volleyball head coach Lionel Woods. "Volleyball gives her that opportunity."

(Source: Dan Carle- University of Ottawa)