EPP SIGNS WITH ARAGO DE SÈTE IN FRANCE’S TOP LEAGUE

LANGLEY, B.C. – Trinity Western University men’s volleyball star and U SPORTS Player of the Year Derek Epp (Saskatoon) officially announced his signing with Arago de Sète, where he will compete in France’s top league – LNV Ligue A – starting this fall. 

Epp capped a sparkling university career by being named both the conference and national player of the year in 2021-22, while leading TWU to a second straight Canada West championship and a U SPORTS silver medal. 

Over his three seasons as a starter for the Spartans (2018-19, 2019-20 and 2021-22), Epp played in every single conference and national final that was contested, winning the U SPORTS championship in 2019 and taking home Canada West titles in 2020 and 2022. 

In 2021-22, he led TWU to a U SPORTS best .331 hitting percentage, while also averaging 1.1 points per set playing within a unique 6-2 offence. During an unforgettable season, Epp also guided the Spartans to a silver medal at the 2021 Pan American Cup when TWU represented Canada. Beyond the university competition in Canada, Epp led TWU a 5-1 record against top NCAA Div. I teams, with wins against the likes of Long Beach State, Pepperdine, UCLA and UC Santa Barbara.

Following his exceptional season, Epp was named the Canada West Male Athlete of the Year across all sports within the conference. 

Epp follows in the footsteps of fellow TWU alum and Canadian international star Ryan Sclater (’17, Port Coquitlam, B.C.), who played with Sète this past season. Sète finished fifth in the regular season standings with a 16-10 record. 

About Spartan Athletics
As official members of U SPORTS, the Spartans currently compete in 13 sports in the Canada West conference, including women’s and men’s soccer, volleyball, basketball, hockey, cross country and track & field, as well as women’s rugby sevens. TWU also competes as an independent team in men’s rugby. Since TWU entered U SPORTS in 1999, the Spartans have won 13 U SPORTS team championships and 31 Canada West team championships.

About Trinity Western University
Recognized for quality, TWU has received seven consecutive A+ rankings for Quality of Teaching and Learning, holds three Canada Research Chairs, and wins national championships in CIS sports. More importantly, lives are changed at TWU through its whole-person, Christ-centred approach to education. With a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, and adult degree-completion programs, TWU equips leaders of character and competence to make a positive impact in the lives of others.  

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