Her soon-to-be new head coach believes Devyn Hildebrand already brings a university-level attack to her sport.

Ken Bentley, head coach of the University of Manitoba Bisons women's volleyball team in Winnipeg, has been extolling the virtues of Vernon Secondary's Hildebrand, one of six young women signed by Bentley to join his club in 2025.

"Devyn is physical athlete, and a very capable six rotation player," said Bentley. "She brings an outstanding work ethic and attitude to Manitoba and her character is a perfect fit for the Bisons. We are looking forward to getting her to Manitoba to begin her journey with us."

Hildebrand is a 5-foot-11 outside hitter who is in her final year of high school volleyball with the VSS Panthers. She helped the lady cats reach the B.C. AAA championship match in 2023, losing a five-set heartbreaker to the Sentinel Spartans of West Vancouver (cross-town rivals Seaton Sonics finished third).

Hildrebrand amassed 438 points a year ago, including 340 kills, 118 digs, and 64 aces. This year, she is hitting at 38 per cent, which VSS co-coach Karen Bedard calls, "a great stat." 

"She has come out of her shell this year to be a co-captain, and has been a positive influence for the younger girls on the team," said Bedard, who earned her teaching degree in Winnipeg. She is joined on the Panthers bench by co-coach and husband, Richard Bedard.

"We can see how her powerful, quick arm was seen by the U of M (Manitoba) scouts. Her passing ability was also beneficial for her."

Hildebrand, who also plays for Vernon Sky Volleyball Club, has been a provincial all-star and tournament MVP at numerous levels, and is an honour roll student in the classroom. She's also been a captain at the provincial, school and club levels, won a school zone championship in 2022 and finished third at AAA provincials that same year. 

Playing both high school and club volleyball has honed Hildebrand's skills, said her Junior Panthers coach, Mike Bertram. 

"Through these programs, she has developed into the great player she is," he said. "She hits with power and accuracy out of the left side, and has added the ability to vary her shots to confuse the defence."  

Troy Lorenson has coached Hildebrand in Sky Volleyball, the B.C. Summer Games, and at the Beyond Sport Volleyball Academy. The Bisons, he said, are getting a high-quality athlete and human in the outside hitter.

鈥淒evyn is a tremendously talented player who has excelled at the highest levels in both school and club volleyball," said Lorenson. "More importantly, she is a tremendous teammate who carries herself with confidence and humility. Devyn is loved by her teammates and a joy to coach."