Despite a shortened athletic year, Central Alberta Christian High School Knight Raya Tenbrinke quietly put together a sensational athletic senior year.
“Over the past three years Raya has quietly put together one of the more impressive female student-athlete careers CACHS has ever had,” CACHS Athletic Director Travis Eggink said.
Eggink said Tenbrinke carried a unique skillset to the volleyball and basketball court, where she showed dedication and a strong game sense.
That sense helped her lead the Knights to two zone championships, competing in multiple 1A Provincial Championships, winning multiple volleyball MVPs and being named a league allstar in basketball.
Eggink said captained both the volleyball and basketball teams in Grade 12 and her leadership helped groom the next generation of Knights.
Knight Coach Tashelle Loov said, “Although Raya was more of a quiet person, she became a great leader on our team. Her determination and hard work inspired others to be better. She also had a great quirky personality that brought many laughs. It was a pleasure coaching her.”
Veteran Knights coach said Tenbrinke was the best female passer and libero ever at CACHS and Eggink added Tenbrinke put up big numbers on the basketball court— over 20 points per game — to lead a young Knights team.
Unfortunately for Tenbrinke, basketball season was cut short due to COVID-19 meaning the Knights could not defend their 2019 Zone Championship.
Eggink added Tenbrinke cemented herself as one of the all-time great CACHS athletes.
“CACHS will fondly remember the baggy blue long sleeve t-shirt the refs made Raya wear as the girls won CACHS’ first girls’ provincial volleyball gold medal in 2018; and the seven 3s Raya hit to help the girls clinch the 2019 Central Zone 1A girls’ basketball title,” he said.
Tenbrinke will be attending the Est-Elle Academy of Hair Design in Edmonton in September.
todd.vaughan@lacombeexpress.com
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