The University of the Fraser Valley Cascades Kayla Bruce has been named the 2012 PACWEST Female Athlete of the Year. The Surrey, BC native guided the Cascades women’s volleyball team to the 2012 CCAA national championship bronze medal, the 2012 PACWEST conference silver medal, while helping her team mates break a school record with a 20 win regular season campaign (20-4). Bruce was selected the female athlete of the year from a group of very talented student-athletes that range from the five sports played in PACWEST (basketball, soccer, volleyball, badminton and golf).

Bruce has already been decorated this year as the 2012 PACWEST Female Volleyball player of the year, a CCAA All-Canadian, a first team CCAA national championship tournament all-star, a first team PACWEST all-star, PACWEST’s female volleyball player of the month (December, 2011) and three times selected as the UFV Cascades/Abbotsford Heat athlete of the week. Bruce led the PACWEST in total offense, averaging 4.1 points per set.

Bruce becomes the fourth UFV (formerly UCFV) Cascade to earn this honor. Three alumnus, from the women’s basketball program, Jamie Born, Lauren Alonzo and Michelle Buhler all received the PACWEST (formerly BCCAA) female athlete of the year award for their excellent play in basketball.

“Kayla was a large part of the reason for our team’s success this year,” said UFV head coach Dennis Bokenfohr. “Her leadership on the court was outstanding.”

Media Notes: Enclosed is PACWEST media release, picture 005.jpg is a Tree Frog image

For further information on UFV athletics contact David Kent, Sports Information, 604-309-7658 david.kent@ufv.ca

www.ufv.ca/athletics