Somer Deschambault-Page

Somer was a gifted multi-sport athlete in High School, but volleyball soon became her primary sport and passion.

Somer’s talents, especially her setting, hustle and leadership, caught the attention of scouts in Canada and the U.S. She received All-Star Status or Outstanding Player Awards at the following high school tournaments featuring teams from across Ontario: McMaster University, York University, U of T, Orillia Whiteball and Provincial Catholic Girls.

The Senior team at St. Theresa’s High School during the 4 years Somer played achieved a very high level of success with the following highlights: GBSSA Champions 1993, 1995, 1996; Catholic Girls’ Provincial Silver Medalists 1994, 1996; OFSAA “A” Bronze Medalist 1993; OFSAA Bronze Medalists 1995, 1996. No question, it takes a team to produce these levels of success, but Somer was the backbone of the team with her skills and leadership. Comments from her previous teammates included: “more to her game than her skills”, “she had incredible focus and determination”, “she led by example whether it was practice or gametime”, and finally “her dedication encouraged us to be better”. Somer was a strong force behind the successes of every team she was a part of, including her club teams; Georgian Bay Vista and the Scarborough Selects.

In 1993, Summer was named to the Region 5 Volleyball Team for the Ontario Summer Games where they won a Gold medal. In 1994, she surprised herself, but not those around her, and made the Provincial Team. Now she was recognized as one of the top setters in the province in her age group. This team competed in the National Team Challenge Cup East in Sherbrooke, Quebec. Her schedule of multiple training sessions per day and living away from home started to prepare her for the next steps after High School.

Somer was the first student-athlete to receive a full scholarship at the University of Buffalo. She had a remarkable impact on their program. She was the driving force leading her team up the ranks and to winning 2 Eastern Division titles in their Conference. This enabled them to move to the MidAmerican Conference, a huge jump providing greater opportunities and competition. Her coach said, “I can’t imagine where we would have been without Somer’s skills, drive and leadership”. Twenty-five years later, Somer still holds 3 all-time records and 6 top 10 records at U of B.

Today, Somer leads an active lifestyle with her family and enjoys running and playing in a Mixed Volleyball league.