Bisons head coach Ken Bentley announced today the commitment of local standout Deanna Clunie to the Herd's 2027 class. The 6'1" middle from Winnipeg is a three-time provincial club medalist and a two-time youth club nationals medalist.

Clunie plays her high school volleyball at Vincent Massey (2023-present), and her club volleyball for the Junior Bisons (2022-present). At the club level, she earned silver medals at provincials with the Junior Bisons in 2023 and 2024, and gold in 2025. She was also a 2025 provincial all-star. 

At the youth club national level, Clunie helped the Junior Bisons to silver in 2023, and bronze in 2024, while also winning gold at the Best of the West Tournament in 2024, and bronze in 2025. 

"We are ecstatic to have Deanna join the Herd for 2027. She is a wholly dedicated student-athlete in training already through her academic success to date, along with her outstanding volleyball accomplishments," said Bentley.

"Deanna is further proof of our Junior Bisons program developing young athletes for the highest level of play in U SPORTS. She is bolstering an exceptional 2027 recruiting class for our program."

At the high school level, Clunie won a JV WWAC 4A league title with Vincent Massey in 2023-24, doing so at the varsity level the following year. She was also selected as an alternate on the 2025 Team Canada Red and White Youth National Program, and as an alternate for Team Manitoba at the 2025 Summer Games. In the classroom she has earned Honours with Distinction, and both of her parents are UM graduates. 

"I am very excited and beyond grateful for the opportunity to continue my academic and athletic career at the University of Manitoba as a Bison. I am so honoured to be a part of this excellent program and I look forward to what lies ahead."