by by Dan Ninham, contributing writer
Hannah Lytwyn is a member of the Norway House Cree Nation. She graduated from Collège Jeanne-Sauvé and is going to Université de Moncton. Lytwyn competes for the Cobras Volleyball Club, Collège Jeanne-Sauvé Varsity Volleyball, 2023 NAIG Team Manitoba in volleyball, 2022 Canada Cup Team Manitoba, and the Université de Moncton Aigles Bleues Women’s Volleyball. She also plays softball with the Collège Jeanne Sauvé Fastpitch and Bonivital Flash Softball.
Lytwyn has many accomplishments including being named the Captain of Collège Jeanne Sauvé Varsity Volleyball, Volleyball Manitoba Graduating All-Star, SCAC All-Star, and placed in the top 20 in Division 1 Nationals. She also is playing on the 2023 NAIG Team Manitoba and Canada Cup Team Manitoba.
“When I practice I make sure that I am working hard at all times and not just going through the motions,” said Lytwyn. “I am lucky enough to have the opportunity to be in high level sport and I do not want to take that for granted.”
“During competitions I also work my absolute hardest as well, encouraging and pushing others around me so that we can all be the best versions of ourselves. I believe this is a form of respect towards my teammates, family, coaches and myself,” added Lytwyn.
“I competed in the North American Indigenous Games,” said Lytwyn. “I have been getting in as many practices as I can. I have been working hard in every single practice. I practiced fundamental skills, participated in scrimmages and developed my relationships with my teammates.”
“I put in extra hours in the gym to increase my muscular strength and endurance. This will all also help me when I go on to play at Université de Moncton,” added Lytwyn.
“My main mentor is my coach from Cobras Volleyball Club, Jonathan Hykawy,” said Lytwyn. “He is always supporting me and pushing me to be the best I can be not just in volleyball but in every aspect.”
Jayme Menzies was Hannah’s head coach at NAIG 2023 with Team Manitoba 19U volleyball. The team finished fourth out of 15 teams in the division.
“Hannah is a quiet but intense competitor who leads by example, through hard work and performance,” said Coach Jayme Menzies. “Hannah was always on the floor for us and was willing to play any position depending on the needs of them team. Lost points did not phase Hannah and she celebrated her team’s successes the same way whether we were up or down against a team.”
“Hannah is incredibly athletic. Most of the time she is jumping and reaching so high that she is hitting over the top of the opponent’s block,” added Coach Menzies.
Joline Richard is the head women’s volleyball coach at the Université de Moncton. She said, “We are very excited to have recruited Hannah for this upcoming season. During her visit here in Moncton, she demonstrated contagious positive energy, athleticism and skills. She seems to be determined and ready to work hard to attain her goals. She is moving east of the country to be a part of our team and that demonstrates a lot of courage, passion and dedication to her sport.”
Photo: Monica Lytwyn
