UNB Saint John Athletics
Home of the Seawolves

Every so often a student-athlete comes along that seems perfectly fitted to her surroundings. Montanna Meyer is one of those students. She came to tryouts in her first year as a walk-on player all the way from Rosetown, Saskatchewan. She made quite an impression, being selected as the Seawolves women’s volleyball team rookie of the year at the end of the season. 

How time flies. Montanna is now entering her fourth season with the Seawolves and has been a starting middle every season! She has received two prestigious awards - the Student Representative Council Recognition Award and Carl Fraser Leadership Award.

Montanna has truly enjoyed her time playing in the ACAA. “It is so much fun. Every year in the playoffs any team can upset any other team. That makes it exciting. We are competing against other small schools, but you get to know your opposition and that makes it feel like a closely connected community too. It has been really enjoyable for me.”

So, what has changed between now and year one? “In my first year, I was a walk-on and just happy to be on the team. I was fortunate to get playing time right from the beginning. The team has improved each year and now we are at the point where a championship banner is in sight. We are hungry for the banner. Our depth is strong this year and anyone can come off the bench to change the game. And, we will have to fight for a starting spot each week of the season which should make us even better. My favorite part is that we all get along well so well. We aren’t just teammates, we are friends.”

Now that you are a veteran player, what advice do you give to the first-year players? “I like to talk with the younger players, see how they are feeling, and talk about what it takes to get on the court and be a team player. It will take all of us to do win and every player is important. I tell them to be patient too because you never know when you’ll get the chance to work your way into a starting position. Lots of things can happen during the season.”

You are the president of the Student Athletes Advisory Council (SAAC). What is SAAC?  “SAAC brings teams together and gets the Seawolves name out in the community and gives athletes a chance to volunteer.  We host two Think Pink Days one in the fall for soccer and one in the winter for basketball and volleyball. We also organize a Christmas formal for athletes and a trick or eat in which we go door to door asking for non-perishable food items to take to local food banks at Halloween. We play games with underprivileged kids in the Joshua Group and partner with the Elizabeth Fry Society (benefitting mothers who are incarcerated) to help package the recorder tapes that will go to their children.” The SAAC executive consists of Montanna (volleyball), Dayna Alexander (volleyball), Jacob McLean (volleyball), Keshaun Skeir basketball), Luke Watson (soccer), Justin Leslie (soccer) and Jenna DeGooyer (volleyball).

Why did you get involved? “I have always been involved in Student Council and have always volunteered. I like having a say in the events being planned for the athletes. It combines two of my passions which are volleyball and volunteering, and lets me do it with all of my best friends.”

Meyer is especially proud of Think Pink Day which is coming up for soccer Oct. 13-14. “Think Pink Day is put on to raise awareness and fundraise for breast cancer research. All available athletes who are not playing are encouraged and expected to support the teams that are playing. Everyone wears pink and helps with the barbecue, bake sale and raffle. The atmosphere of support and togetherness allows everyone to be more successful as a whole. And everyone is there cheering on their peers. It is a sports event where you hang out with your friends, do something worthwhile and forget about schoolwork for the weekend. It is so much fun.”

UNB Saint John Athletics, the ACAA and CCAA are very proud of student-athletes like Montanna. She is making a difference on the court and off the court and is truly a role model for younger student-athletes.