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Joe Browning/UNCWsports.com

Women's Volleyball Parker Ormsby, Communication Studies Intern

Melnick Continues Dream With Canada's NextGen Program

WILMINGTON, North Carolina – UNCW volleyball's Grace Melnick is returning home this week to rejoin Team Canada's NextGen program.
 
The sophomore from Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, has been invited to try out for Canada's NextGen Program for the second consecutive year. Last summer, Melnick suited up for Team Canada for the first time when she competed in the 2022 NORCECA U21 Cup in La Paz, Mexico.
 
After representing Team Canada, Melnick knew she wanted to continue sporting her home country's colors. 
 
"I submitted a video submission back in March for Canada's NextGen/U23 team and when I got a response with an invite to come try out, I cried tears of joy," Melnick said. 
 
Canada's NextGen Program provides a high-intensity training schedule during the summer months for aspiring Team Canada athletes. The program also includes opportunities to compete internationally.   
 
"It's nerve wracking, but this is all I've wanted since the eighth grade," added Melnick. "I know I'm making the younger version of myself proud by doing what I'm doing right now." 
 
Melnick's teammates at UNCW are excited for her, helping the second-year Seahawk train this week in preparation for the tryout. "We finished practice last week, and I already have a couple of girls coming out to the gym to help me train," Melnick said. "They always stay for extra reps with me when I need them. I just couldn't ask for a better team."
 
Dottie Hampton, who has coached Melnick the last two years, understands how much this opportunity means to the Canadian performer, who appeared in all 25 matches with 163 kills and 444 total attacks.
 
"I know her dream is to play for her country, and this is another step to her dreams coming true," Hampton said. "Her passion for her country and volleyball shows daily. We know that Grace will represent UNCW and Seahawk Nation well."
 
 
Melnick is en route to Richmond, British Columbia, for the week-long tryout that commences on Saturday, Apr. 29, 2023.
 
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Players Mentioned

Grace Melnick

#18 Grace Melnick

MH/RS
6' 1"
Sophomore
Defensa Volleyball Club

Players Mentioned

Grace Melnick

#18 Grace Melnick

6' 1"
Sophomore
Defensa Volleyball Club
MH/RS