Ben Dyck has signed with the Lethbridge College Kodiaks men's volleyball team. (Photo supplied by Kodiaks Athletics, Lethbridge College)

By Justin Goulet

Coaldale’s Ben Dyck signs with Lethbridge College Kodiaks men’s volleyball team

Dec 21, 2022 | 11:42 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – A Coaldale volleyball player is set to suit up for the Lethbridge College Kodiaks men’s volleyball team.

Ben Dyck is the team’s first signing for the 2023-2024 season.

He will join the Kodiaks after leading the Kate Andrews High School team to silver medals at both the Southern Alberta High School Volleyball League and 2A provincial championships.

The outside hitter has an 11-foot-3 spike approach, which helped him record 635 kills and 135 aces in his senior season with the Pride.

Dyck was named a first team league all-star while helping the Pride to a 50-5 overall record.

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Head coach of the Kodiaks men’s volleyball team, Greg Gibos said, “Ben is not just one of the best athletes in southern Alberta, but I believe he is one of the best outsides in the province.”

Gibos added, “The physical numbers and his ability on court are clear, but what Ben possesses is something incredibly rare. His best feature is that he truly loves volleyball and trying to become the best version of himself.”

Gibos believes Dyck will bring an infectious drive and positive energy to the Kodiaks that will help his teammates become better.

He said, “I know he had a lot of interest from other post-secondary institutes. We could not be happier that he has decided to stay in Lethbridge and inspire the next generation of volleyball players in southern Alberta.”

Dyck, meanwhile, credits his parents for helping him navigate the road to post-secondary. The latest Kodiaks recruit said, “My parents always taught me that it was more important to be a good person through sport as well as providing an unwavering belief in me.”

The Coaldale athlete gave credit to Canada National Team player Eric Leoppky as well, noting, “I would watch footage of his matches on YouTube and his highlight videos, and it taught me what it took to be excellent and helped me fall in love with the game.”

The Kodiaks program has been ranked in the top 10 nationally for 42 of the last 50 Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) national polls.

Dyck said the team’s culture of success was one of his driving factors in the decision to sign with Lethbridge College.

He stated, “I love the Kodiaks logo and I know it represents excellence in the classroom, community, and conference. I want to be part of this program and contribute to building a contender each year.”

“I am so excited that I get to play in front of my friends, family and old teammates, which is going to be an incredible experience. The culture of this program is really what draws people in, and I look forward to enhancing it during my time as a Kodiak.”

Before joining Lethbridge College, Dyck will compete for the Lethbridge Volleyball Club Junior Kodiaks for the U18 club season.

The Kodiaks currently have a season record of 8-3, which has them tied for first place in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) south division. The team will be back on the court January 7, 2023 against the SAIT Trojans.

Read more local sports at Lethbridge News Now.