A recent graduate of the Brock women's volleyball team is travelling to France to play the sport she loves at the professional level.
 
Grace Pyatt (BScN '21, MAG '22) signed a pro contract to play for Volleyball Club Valenciennes located in Northern France.
 
She will play middle for the upcoming season.
 
"Being a pro volleyball player has been a dream of mine since I was young," Pyatt said. "It wasn't until the end of my Brock career that I realized I couldn't just let the indoor game go. Luckily, I had amazing coaches to give me the confidence to try."
 
Graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Applied Gerontology, Pyatt's accomplishments extend beyond the court.
 
As a member of the women's volleyball team, she made a game-winning block in the 2023 Ontario University Athletics (OUA) Championship match, propelling her team to the U SPORTS Volleyball Championships for a third consecutive season. A two-time OUA First Team All-star, she scored 22 points with a .517 hitting percentage, showcasing her skills on and off the court.
 
After her final season with Brock, Pyatt was selected to be a part of Canada Volleyball's National Beach Training program for the summer.
 
Pyatt credited head coach Steve Delaney and fellow Brock alumni who have gone onto play pro volleyball: Laura Condotta, Logan House, Darby Taylor and Dean Globocki.
 
At Brock, Pyatt's academic pursuits parallel her athletic success, with her coaches and teammates supporting her as she balanced nursing studies and volleyball practice. Her resilience shone as she seamlessly transitioned from nursing shifts to the volleyball court.
 
Pyatt's dedication during the pandemic earned admiration, as she displayed immense strength practicing volleyball after grueling nursing shifts.
 
After obtaining her degree in Nursing, Pyatt pursued a Master of Applied Gerontology.
 
Her passion for geriatrics stems from her clinical placements, where she cared for various patient groups, including seniors. Inspired by her mother's work in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Pyatt eventually gravitated toward geriatric care. Her pursuit of a Master's led to researching palliative care at Hotel Dieu Shaver, solidifying her bond with older patients.
 
Personal experiences, like caring for her grandmother during her final years, fueled her passion for geriatric healthcare.
 
Pyatt's journey showcases her academic prowess and athletic triumphs, reflecting her determination and compassionate nature both on and off the volleyball court.