Dauphin's Blaire De La Mare has been named Assiniboine Community College's "Cougar of the Week".
On Saturday, December 2 against St. Boniface, Blaire had a massive performance, compiling six kills, three digs, and two blocks.
"It feels pretty good," said De La Mare. "I've been putting in a lot of hard work, so it feels pretty good to be recognized for it."
Blaire is in her first year of College volleyball playing for the Cougars, and before that played High School volleyball right here in Dauphin.
"There is definitely more commitment playing College volleyball," said De La Mare. "Our season is much longer, and we practice four times a week, plus we have to do two individual workouts. It's definitely a lot more to commit to, but it's great."
Blaire notes she only knew two girls going into the season, but she has made more friendships which have been great.
De La Mare is no stranger to success on the volleyball court, as she won a provincial high school bronze (2014), gold (2015) and silver (2016) medal with the Dauphin Clippers.
"I would relate my success back to my coaches when I was a kid in Tanya and Jeremy Love," said De La Mare. "They were huge inputs into the player I am today."
So far, Blaire and the rest of the Cougars are 3-5 in conference play which has them in fourth place, and they don't play another conference game until January 19 and 20 when they welcome Providence.
"Our goal is to get into the top four," said De La Mare. "That Providence series is huge. We have a lot to look forward too, but we want to finish in the top four."
Providence is atop the MCAC Women's Volleyball Standings with a 6-2 record.