ALUMNI FEATURE: Voth a pillar in the volleyball community

If you’re looking to find Lloyd Voth, just find the nearest volleyball court. Voth is a staple of the volleyball community in Manitoba and has been for over 50 years. 
 
The 5′ 9″ left-side hitter played with the Bisons between 1975-1981 and was part of the 1981 CIAU (U Sports) Championship team. Voth was coached by the Bisons’ long-time coach, Garth Pischke.
 
“My wife and I both played university, and all our friends were university players,” said Voth. “We just had a lot of fun. Some of my best friends are still from the volleyball teams that I played with.”
 
In addition to his time with the Bisons, Voth watched both children, Ashley and Chris, play through the Bisons program and up to Canadian national teams. Voth was even on the bench assistant coaching with Pischke during his son’s time with the Bisons.
 
“It’s a real family affair,” said Voth.
 
Since leaving the Bisons in 1981, Voth was also a part of the Senior Men’s League between 1982-1985 and won the National Championship in 1982.
 
Voth began teaching at St. Paul’s High School in 1981, where he focused on helping the future competitors of Manitoba. Voth started the school’s varsity program, building it up to the MHSAA AAAA Championship-winning program it is today. 
 
“I was quite fortunate that I was able to play at a level higher than high school, and you learn a lot from every team and coach you play with,” said Voth. 
 
Voth is happy to get the chance to pass on the knowledge he has learned over his years on the court. Across the country, Voth has former players on the court playing at the university level and beyond.
 
Voth’s role in volleyball has certainly changed since playing his first games with Morden Collegiate, but his love hasn’t ever waned.
 
“It just continues, and I expect that it will continue for them as well, and it just spreads the love of the game.”