Strength in the Shield: Cambrian College volleyball athletes and coach earn provincial and national awards – February 19

SUDBURY, ON – It has been a very successful season for the Cambrian Shield men’s and women’s volleyball teams, on and off the court.

The men’s team finished the regular season as the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA)  West Division champions, the first time it has placed atop the standings in the regular season, while the women’s team finished third in the regular season in the OCAA West Division.

It’s now on to the playoffs. The women’s squad is at Durham College on Saturday for its quarter-final match, while the men’s team is hosting Loyalist College in the quarterfinals, Sunday at 1 p.m. in the Cambrian gym.

Heading into this weekend’s quarterfinal matches, eight players and a coach have scored a total of 12 OCAA awards.

Five male players earned individual awards. Liam Hansen of Perth, Ontario earned three honours: OCAA Overall and West Division scoring champion, as well as West Division First Team All-Star. Hansen is the first male Cambrian volleyball player to win the overall league scoring title.

Sam George of Sudbury has been selected as a Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) All-Canadian and OCAA West Division First Team All-Star.

Jason Diotte of Sudbury was chosen as a West Division First Team All-Star. Cale Bast of Sudbury was named a West Division Second Team All-Star, while Ethan Wheatley of Onaping Falls made the OCAA West Division All-Rookie Team.

For the second year in a row, Dale Beausoleil was named OCAA men’s volleyball West Division Coach of the Year.

Three members of the Cambrian Shield women’s volleyball team have also earned provincial awards.

Carlie Pappano of North Bay was named a West Division First Team All-Star, while Allison Nordquist and Mackenzie Selk, both of Sudbury, were named West Division Second Team All-Stars.

“Our volleyball programs have shown tremendous growth and progress, evidence of the time and dedication put forth by our coaching staff and our student athletes,” says Tim Yu, Cambrian’s Manager of Athletics. “To see their efforts being recognized as outstanding by their peers, amongst all the other talented student-athletes competing, is heart-warming and rewarding.”

“The individual awards and strong winning seasons by both clubs are clear signs that Cambrian’s volleyball program is one of the best in the province and continues to build momentum and set the standard for future seasons,” adds Alison De Luisa, Cambrian’s Vice-President of Human Resources, International, and Student Services, which includes varsity athletics. “We are very proud of our athletes, their coaches and staff. We are not just producing gifted athletes, but excellent students and young leaders.”

In addition to volleyball, Cambrian College fields varsity athletes in badminton, cross-country running, and soccer.