Mining one of the most decorated programs in Canada for talent, Tim Louks found the fourth member of his 2019 recruiting class in Oakville.
The McMaster Marauders announced the versatile Ana Strbac, a middle and right side hitter for the Halton Hurricanes, as their newest member Friday. She joins a 2019 class that already includes setter Nikolina Malic, middle Ellie Hatashita and defensive specialist Christina Stratford.
"I'm excited to have Ana in the room for training immediately," says Louks. "She is definitely going to be influential in making the team better. She has good control on court and will only get stronger as she grows into her frame."
A Ontario champion and Division I silver medalist at the Volleyball Canada national championships with her Halton Hurricanes Black U17 team in 2018, Strbac took part in the Halton High School All-Star Game in March as a representative of Garth Webb Secondary School in Oakville.
She describes the decision to come to McMaster as an exceptionally easy one, both athletically and academically.
"The first university volleyball game I ever watched was at McMaster," says Strbac. "I was immediately drawn to the intensity and passion that the girls played with. Since then, it has been a hope of mine to play in such a high quality program like the one at Mac. Upon visiting and seeing all the care and support given to players as both athletes and students, I am more than excited to be a part of this community."
"McMaster has always been my number one choice when it comes to postsecondary education. Due to the exposure I've had to Mac through family and friends, I'm familiar with its tight-knit community and reputable academic standards."
While the particulars of her enrollment remain to be decided, Strbac has her sights set on the sciences at McMaster, with the aim of entering into the Health Sciences or Life Sciences programs.
She offers a host of possibilities on a volleyball court, with experience at all three front court positions as a middle and right side hitter at the club level and setter with her high school program at Garth Webb. In all three scenarios, Strbac presents as a well-trained player with the skills to make good use of her 6'0" frame.
"She can do many things well, including setting if required, and will be helpful in stabilizing a few positions and helping to push improvement," says Louks. "She already seems to have the ingredients of a good teammate, being constantly positive and involved."
"I am very competitive, motivated, and emotionally-invested in every match," says Strbac of her playing style. "My passion for the game makes me aggressive and willing to take risks. My versatility as a player gives me comfort on court and makes me a better teammate, because I am able to understand and appreciate the roles that everyone has."
