Spaling joins the Knights after spending the last two seasons as an assistant coach with the powerhouse University of Alberta Pandas volleyball program.

“We are extremely excited to welcome Natasha to our women’s volleyball program” said Niagara College intercollegiate coordinator Ray Sarkis. “She is a talented and accomplished young coach that brings terrific volleyball experience and academic credentials. Her understanding of what it takes to be successful both in the classroom and on the court will make her a true asset to our varsity complement.”

Prior to venturing into the world of coaching, Spaling a native of Drayton Ontario, competed for four years as a member of the Waterloo Warriors in the OUA. She served as a team captain for three seasons during her time in a Warriors uniform.

After graduating from the Waterloo kinesiology program she continued her education at the University of Alberta where she completed a Masters of Coaching. While enrolled in graduate school at Alberta, she served as an assistant coach with the women’s program, winning back-to-back Usports silver medals.

“I am extremely excited to be joining the Niagara Knights family” said Spaling during a media introduction at the Welland campus athletic centre. “I am really looking forward to a great season with these fantastic student-athletes, and being a part of the 2019 CCAA Championship hosted here at Niagara.”

In addition to her experience at the post-secondary level, Spaling has also been actively involved in youth indoor and beach volleyball programs in both Ontario and Alberta including the KW Predators and Jr. Pandas volleyball clubs. She has spent time as a coach at the Volleyball Canada Centre for Excellence, and will spend this summer coaching the 17U Team Ontario girls’ volleyball program.

Spaling and the rest of the Niagara Knights women’s volleyball program will officially open the 2018-19 season on September 11th when training camp officially opens at the Welland campus athletic centre.