Aces and different spaces: Molly Peters and her diversified Ryerson experience

Despite her varsity career being cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic and canceled 2020-21 season, Molly Peters has maximized her Ryerson University career in every sense of the word.

"Something that I'm very grateful for when looking back is the opportunity Ryerson has given me to excel," says Peters, who is in her fourth and final year of Ryerson's Creative Industries program.

Coming into her fourth and final year as a Ram, Peters was obviously disappointed in a canceled season. But, when looking back optimistically, the Surrey, B.C., native had the chance to play for U SPORTS and OUA gold and silver medal-winning teams, something she did not have on her goal sheet when entering the undergraduate application process.

"The Creative Industries program was my number one choice and that was my main focus," says Peters.

After getting accepted into the program, the outside-hitter from Pacific Academy contacted Rams head coach Dustin Reid who had previously coached her older brother, and the rest unveiled itself as a "perfect fit," Peters says.

Aside from being a member of one of the top volleyball programs in the country, Peters has involved herself in a plethora of extracurricular activities and responsibilities, including being the sole Housing and Residence Varsity Link for two academic years.

"The experience of helping out first year athletes was really rewarding," says Peters. "It was really cool getting to see the first year athletes grow each year and become more confident in themselves as they adjusted to university life and playing on a team," she continued.

"When I was in residence my first year, Molly would be there for me and the other rookies a lot, and that led to me really looking up to her in that role," says third-year middle blocker Katelyn Grasman (Komoka, Ont.).

As a U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian, Peters credits Ryerson's Creative Industries program for allowing her opportunities to find what she is passionate about.

"I really love how diverse the program is," says Peters. "I chose to specialize in communications and interior design, and that helped me discover urban planning and design which is what I've resonated with the most and is what I'm applying to my Master's for. I'm grateful for my program because I don't think I would have ever discovered that field without it," she says.

Peters' creative passions have even bled into her varsity involvement; she created logos and art designs for multiple campaigns run by the women's volleyball team.

"It's been really great watching Molly integrate her program into volleyball," says Grasman. "I think her ability to combine her athletic and creative skills is what's really different about Molly," she added.

Being a Ram has also given Peters the chance to be a volunteer activities coach with Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE) Launchpad, something she did regularly during her entire time spent in Toronto.

"Launchpad was great because it allowed me to get out of my adult bubble once in a while, and just be with kids," says Peters. "It was so close to where I lived and it was so nice to be invested in my local community."

The consensus on Peters from those close to her seems to be that her energy, positivity, and diversity are why she is such a valued student-athlete, and why her presence will be missed around the athletics community.

"The energy she has when she walks into the room changes everything," says Grasman. "She's one of the most energetic and uplifting people I've ever met."

Grasman also touched on her off-court leadership, often creating the connection between rookies and the rest of the team thanks to her varsity link position.

When looking back on her time spent at Ryerson and as a Ram, Peters expressed: "Something that I've been feeling really grateful for since being back home is the fact that Ryerson really does give its students opportunities to reach their potential in a lot of different ways. I'm just really grateful for Ryerson.

"I'm being sentimental in my last year," she added humorously.

Peters appeared in over 40 games in her three years on the court, tallying 79 kills, 69 digs, and 21 service aces in the blue and gold.

Although her accomplished Rams career can be seen through the statistics she has racked up and championships she has won, Peters has and continues to demonstrate what being a student-athlete can be, as well as the impact people can have on others in the process.

For more academic profiles on our student-athletes, stay tuned to ryersonrams.ca

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Players Mentioned

#11 Molly Peters: OH; 5' 11"; 3

#13 Katelyn Grasman: MB; 6' 0"; 2

Players Mentioned

#11 Molly Peters
: 5' 11"; 3
: OH

#13 Katelyn Grasman
: 6' 0"; 2
: MB

Players Mentioned

#11 Molly Peters

#13 Katelyn Grasman

Players Mentioned

#11 Molly Peters

#13 Katelyn Grasman