By: Thomas Tremblay, BA' 16
-----------------------------------

For many, a 5550 km move from one side of the country to the other would be daunting.

That's not the case for 18-year old Christian Christie.

The Langley, BC, resident is making the coast to coast trip next fall and will be suiting up for the St. Thomas University Tommies men's volleyball team.

The six-foot-four middle blocker is taking it in stride, having grown up in Nova Scotia before eventually moving out west.

"I picked St. Thomas University because I have lots of family there so it should help with the transition of living away from home," Christie said.

Last fall, Christie helped the Langley Christian High School volleyball team win the BC Senior Boys 'AA' provincial title. During club season, Christie plays for the Fraser Valley Volleyball Club, a consistent contender in British Columbia. This year, the squad captured the 18U provincial title in a match Christie dubs the "most intense of his life."

Tommies head coach Henri Mallet is excited to have Christie join the program.

"Christian is a versatile athlete that can play many positions for us," Mallet said. "Coming from one of the best clubs in the country, he has a high volleyball IQ and he will help our program the minute he steps on campus."

Christie is anxiously waiting for his university volleyball career to begin.

"I've only heard amazing things about the university. Pair that with the chance to continue playing volleyball at the next level and the offer was something I couldn't pass up. I can't wait to get on campus, to meet the other players, and to get started," he said.

Christie is the second new addition announced by the Tommies program, joining Miramichi's Garret Dickson in the 2017 recruiting class.