KINGSTON, Ont. (July 5, 2023) – Queen's Women's Volleyball's Aimee Lemire has been selected to Canada's U23 National Team program ahead of the U23 Pan Am Cup.
 
Lemire (Paris, Ont.) is currently in Richmond, B.C. training with the U23 National Team before heading to Obregòn, Mexico for the U23 Pan Am Cup from July 17-23.

Canada's entry to the U23 Pan Am Cup is comprised of current Volleyball Canada Next Gen athletes, alongside athletes fromthe Next Gen tryout, which took place in April and May this year.
 
"I am incredibly excited to be part of the U23 National Team," Lemire said. "It's an opportunity that certainly continues to ignite my passion for the sport and fuels my drive. To be representing my country at the international level is a dream come true, and I am truly ready to give it my all in these next few weeks of training, as well as at the upcoming competition.
 
"I look forward to training alongside exceptional players, competing against many amazing and strong international athletes, and seeing the different types of play within this Pan American tournament. I hope to soak in every moment, learning the artistry of teamwork and the game, embracing and adapting to challenges, and making lasting friendships and connections. This opportunity is a chance to learn from diverse coaches, develop my skills even further, and improve my understanding of the game at a different level. I look forward to this competitive environment where I will be pushed to new heights.
 
"Being called up and selected to the U23 National Team is truly an honour and is a stepping stone towards my goal of making the senior national team one day! It will, of course, always require hard work, dedication, sacrifice and a passion for the sport, but with the opportunity to compete at an elite level and represent my country alongside amazing athletes, coaches and people, the journey will undoubtedly be a rewarding one.
 
"Further, I try to often thank present and past coaches as I have certainly not gotten here alone. It has been a journey within itself to get to where I am today, and though I certainly have much growth as a person and athlete to go and do, I do have many people to thank for where I am so far. Four coaches that immediately come to mind are, of course, [Queen's Women's Volleyball Head Coach] Ryan Ratushniak, followed by coach Matthew Schnarr, coach Peter Wong, and coach Eoghan Bracken-Murphy. Lastly, my mum, as she has been my rock throughout my entire journey so far; truly couldn't do it without her.

"In addition, the Queen's women's volleyball team program, as well as my talented coaches and teammates, are also to thank as they are the ones who have formed the positive and competitive training environment at Queen's throughout my past three years, which has allowed me to be prepared for this upcoming opportunity."

In the 2022-23 OUA season, Lemire finished fourth on the Gaels in Kills/Set, averaging 1.6, while helping Queen's Women's Volleyball advance to the OUA Quigley Cup. Lemire also added 124 receptions, 47 digs, and 10 blocks last season.