Men’s volleyball announce commitments of Alex Witt and Kai Boyko

Head coach Arnd ‘Lupo’ Ludwig is pleased to announce the commitments of setter Alex Witt and outside hitter Kai Boyko for the 2023-24 season. 

Witt, 6’1″, 185, is a Kelowna, BC native who most recently played for Columbia Bible College in Abbotsford. He had 426 assists, 86 digs, 17 aces and 24 blocks last season, and in 2021-22, Witt was awarded the Pride, Hustle, Desire Award (peer-voted Hardest Worker Award). 

“With [senior setter] Jack [Mandryk] graduating this year, we are losing a very important player and I am convinced that Alex will help us to fill this hole,” said Ludwig. 

“Alex has played two years in college and brings post-secondary experience to our young group of athletes. Alex shows an unbelievable work ethics on and off the court and he has a great passion for the sport of volleyball. We are very excited to welcome Alex in our team.”

In the classroom, the Mount Boucherie Secondary alum earned the national scholars award in 2021-22, had a cumulative GPA of 3.8 last semester, and was on the Dean’s list the previous three semesters. 

“With a history of excellence, a great core group of talented players and an experienced coaching staff, making the decision to join the Bisons was an easy choice,” added Witt.

“I am nothing more than a hardworking kid from the Okanagan who has been lucky enough to play college volleyball for the past two years, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to continue competing under the Bisons flag. I’m excited to see the continued growth of this program in the coming seasons, and I’m looking forward to contributing to its success in whatever capacity possible.”

Boyko, 6’5″, 195, attends Oak Park High School, and also played club for the Junior Bisons, where he captured 18U gold at nationals this past summer alongside current Bisons Jordon Heppner, Sammy Ludwig, Harrison Ens and Rowan Krahn. He was also a member of Manitoba’s Canada Summer Games roster as an under age player, and as selected to be apart of  NEP, a national team training program this past fall, where he lived and trained in Quebec for four months. 

“We are thrilled to have Kai joining our program. Kai is an incredibly talented athlete with exceptional athleticism and a great work ethic,” said Ludwig.

“We believe that he has the potential to be a game-changer for our team, and we’re excited to see him develop and grow as a player over the coming years. We are committed to providing Kai with the support and resources he needs to excel both on and off the court.”

In the classroom, Boyko has maintained an honour roll average of 88 percent, and his mom Dionne played for the women’s volleyball team in the early 90s, 

“I’m excited for this opportunity and grateful for all my coaches, trainers, family and friends who have supported me along the way,” he added. I’m looking forward to being a part of the Bison family and playing at home”