Kodiaks volleyball adds Cameron Piers to roster, siblings join soccer program

“We are very fortunate to have Cameron choose to represent the Kodiaks as he comes with elite experience, a strong fundamental foundation and an exceptional desire to win.”

During his senior year, Piers helped the Gryphons win a silver medal while also playing with the Barrhead Knights club volleyball program.

“He’s a student-athlete that is committed to his team’s success and has a strong desire to win every time he’s on the floor,” said Gibos.

The coach said Piers has a very high ceiling, thanks to his athletic ability and strong volleyball instincts.

“He’s someone who’s in the top grouping of athletic athletes in the 2020 grad class,” he said.

“However, his biggest strength is his ability to think the game. He’s been brought through such a strong system that he is already thinking the game better than some college-level athletes. He closes his blocking assignments quickly and is a force at the net. He’s got tremendous potential.”

Piers, meanwhile, attributes his decision to join the team to the family atmosphere the program is known for.

“The first time I was on the court with the guys, I knew this is where I wanted to be for my post-secondary career,” he said.

“The group of athletes are so motivated for team success and accomplishing goals both on-an-off the court. You can tell they respect and play for each other and that’s definitely something I wanted to become part of.”

Piers is enrolled in Lethbridge College’s Justice Studies degree program. The Kodiaks men’s volleyball team enters next season coming off of back-to-back Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) silver medals, as well as a fourth-place finish at the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) men’s national championship tournament last season.

The ACAC fall season has been postponed due to COVID-19. Sights are set on starting the season in the winter semester.

SIBLING DUO JOIN SOCCER PROGRAM

On the soccer pitch, Sherwood Park’s Keegan and Kylie Bolton have joined the men and women’s programs, respectively.

Keegan is a centre-back while Kylie is a keeper.

Soccer head coach Sean Carey said in a release from the program that it’s an exciting and unique chance to add a pair of impactful student-athletes.

He added that the ‘sibling rivalry’ should help the duo push each other and-and-off the soccer pitch.

“Having a sibling rivalry will be awesome. The place the teams are at now will make for some great times ahead with each of them trying to one up each other and take their programs to nationals annually,” Carey stated.

Keegan (left) and Kylie Bolton (Kodiaks Athletics)

Keegan moves to the Kodiaks after playing last season with the Olds College Broncos. Kylie is transferring to Lethbridge College after two years of playing at the University of Regina.

“I’ve definitely been noticed for my distribution. I’m pretty sure having a 60-yard boot isn’t a bad thing, said Kylie.

“I’m explosive and have the mindset that nothing’s getting by me.”

Meanwhile, her brother describes his game as quick and versatile. Both siblings are excited to join the Kodiaks family.

“I’ve heard great things about Lethbridge College, and after my first year [of college] I actually regretted not going to Lethbridge,” Keegan stated.

“Now to actually be a part of the Kodiaks and having heard so much good stuff about Sean and the team culture, I’m just looking forward to the atmosphere.”

Kylie echoed his sentiments.

“I’ve heard great things about the coaching staff and the girls. I’ve heard they’re a lot of fun, and there’s a lot of commitment and good teamwork.”

As with the volleyball program, the ACAC fall soccer season has been postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

by Justin Goulet

Kodiaks volleyball adds Cameron Piers to roster, siblings join soccer program

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